Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) todayโs #oneadayplant . In recent years the popularity of this bamboo has waned slightly as many species and cultivars of Fargesia have been offered, often at a more favourable price, manageable size and with better pot-growing potential. . Perhaps previous overexposure hasnโt helped them too. Every magazine, chic courtyard and planted container arrangement seemed to feature this bamboo for some years. . Some things to consider. It is as good a plant as it always was. Hardy, evergreen and relatively costly even for a plant with just a few culms. (They are culms/stalks when on the plant and canes when cut). Like most bamboo, they arenโt great in pots for several reasons. Water and space to grow are two big reasons, but often overlooked is the need to fix silica to create stems. Bamboo can do this by processing their own fallen leaves. In pots, the lack of surface area makes it difficult to access enough fallen leaves. . Phyllostachys nigra can produce large, thick culms, but rarely does in the UK. In fact, few species ever do in the UK. I have climbed up individual culms of P. aurea in Italy for example. They are black as the name suggests and if you clear some lower leaves, can make impressive stands, especially in winter if snow is around the base. . Like all bamboo, a fool plants them too close to a building without providing adequate root guard protection. This can be purchased specifically for the job. Better to just plant well away from buildings and neighbouring boundaries. Though it isnโt anywhere near as running a species as some Phyllostachys, it can still form a substantial stand several metres wide in time. . A good plant in the right spot and so much better in the ground than scorched and underwhelming in a pot. . #phyllostchys #phyllostachysnigra #bamboo #plants #culms #canes #plantingdesign #evergreen #grasses #gardens #landscape #thoughtfulplanting #japaneselook #iplantsman #asianplants #gardening #gardeningtips #gardeningadvice (at Crowborough, East Sussex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH24IFzAlq-/?igshid=1pxvynh1n8akq
