Anybody growing Black Bamboo?

[Dave]

Just curious if anyone is growing Black Bamboo. The color of it looks soo cool! I just hope it survives in my climate, they say its hardy down to 0 degrees depending on who you talk to. I have it sheltered, so I will keep my fingers crossed.

[bamboogirl]

i am in zone 6 in ne/tn mtns and am growing 21 types of bamboo.i am growing P.nigra "HALE" and its a zero degree bamboo and so far so good..i will admit its not got down to zero this winter and thats rare.but we all know this winter has been super warm.

much them well..and if worried you can do a few things..put up stakes around them and wrap in plactic or lay them down to the ground and cover with plywood or plastic.

[Ellen]

I'm growing black bamboo in Seattle, and it's a monster! I think some really cold weather would be good to slow it down. Everyone says it's the "clumping" kind, but in two years the clump has gone from a couple of little stalks to an uncountable number or 20-plus foot canes that have run all over an area that's a lot bigger than what I or anyone reasonable would call a "clump". Not only that, it's invaded the territory of an asian pear tree that was quite far away from the original bamboo planting. It's a gorgeous plant, though. The canes come up green, stay green their first year, and then turn black. Good luck with your black bamboo - I know you'll enjoy seeing those shoots come up soon.

[ennery]

this winter mine has gone down to -9c and is coming back with a vengence

[Ellen]

Here's an update on the black bamboo - this year it's spread even further and is pushing up the asphalt at the edge of our driveway. lol! Gotta get one of those bamboo barriers before it reaches the house!

[greg_s]

what is the difference between black bamboo and regular bamboo? Does anyone have a picture that they can post?

take steps early to limit the spread of your bamboo, i know of a case where earth movers and trenchers were needed to confine? bamboo.

[Ellen]

Here's a photo of the black bamboo back when it was young and cute. It's the same as "regular bamboo" except that the canes turn black their second year. It's beautiful, but it's a monster grower here in the Pacific NW.