Never saw that before ...beautiful! Running or clumping?? I had, have, had, still have, had, have..... running and regret it still. Next I'm going with clumping. 😕 😕

Jim,
it is fantastic.
I had it at my last house, in Tulsa proper. Grew well, very handsome, and much hardier than golden bamboo.
It runs, but so what? I just tug or kick over new spears that come up where I don't want them. Once I explained that to the neighbors they were on board and appreciated the privacy screen.
A local nursery has it in 15 gallon pots which I'll buy if I can afford to. I really, really like it. --Erik

Never saw that before ...beautiful! Running or clumping?? I had, have, had, still have, had, have..... running and regret it still. Next I'm going with clumping. 😕 😕

Mike I'm with you - although this type looks gorgeous. I had a type of running bamboo once even though the nursery told me clumping. I spent the next 3 years with bloody Palms(hands) trying to get rid of it. Although I like the look, It did get me in trouble.

Jim, You need to build a barrier three feet down all the way around it if you want to contain it. It sure looks nice, I'd love to try that one, but I just might get kicked out of the house. Good luck, sure looks beautiful in photo.

Paul

Black bamboo is beautiful... Only problem I have is that it is not hardy enough for me. It is, perhaps, best rated a zone 6b (maybe 7a?) type. Oh, and the culms turn black in their 2nd year, so you'll need to overwinter it in good condition to see the wonderful culms.

Here is a good link showing performance in zone 5b/6a similar to your own, Jim:
http://www.needmorebamboo.com/phynigra.html

The owner of this nursery has done the most complete evaluation of bamboo that I know of in a continental zone 6 climate.

His hardiness ratings (P. nigra is a 'C' compared to aureosulcata which is an 'A'):
http://www.needmorebamboo.com/hardiness.html

Black bamboo is beautiful... Only problem I have is that it is not hardy enough for me. It is, perhaps, best rated a zone 6b (maybe 7a?) type. Oh, and the culms turn black in their 2nd year, so you'll need to overwinter it in good condition to see the wonderful culms.

Here is a good link showing performance in zone 5b/6a similar to your own, Jim:
http://www.needmorebamboo.com/phynigra.html

The owner of this nursery has done the most complete evaluation of bamboo that I know of in a continental zone 6 climate.

His hardiness ratings (P. nigra is a 'C' compared to aureosulcata which is an 'A'):
http://www.needmorebamboo.com/hardiness.html

P.S. I've not used any barriers in my area, but I have both lots of land and a colder climate than you!

I'm not worried about containing it to much,I think it's
doing well hear and spreading would be very welcome.

Depending on how big it gets,I will probably rig something
up for shelter and heat AT LEAST the first year or 2.

Once it is well established it should be fine with a little mulching-
I mean ****,this stuff can grow 6+" a day!

My neighbours have some growing in pots that they keep out in thier front yard all year.
Great looking stuff but I have heard that it runs and quickly.

Actually not sure where I will plant it yet!

I think the cold/unprotected winter soil may have something to
say about how far this stuff grows in z5b.

I uncovered my giant reed grass over the weekend,
it has a few shoots ready to go!

I uncovered my giant reed grass over the weekend,
it has a few shoots ready to go!

Variegated one? I kept two of mine in unheated green house. They started pushing new shoots from the axils a month ago. I cut the stems and put them onto a wet sand. Let us see what will be happening.

Black bamboo is sexy... I think thats the only word to describe it.

It was my first choice, but it wouldnt stand too much of a chance of getting any size here, if it even made it.

Its going to look good in your yard. Take some pics when you can..

Grats dude!

Black bamboo is sexy... I think thats the only word to describe it.

Take some pics when you can..

Oh,I will 😉

Never saw that before ...beautiful! Running or clumping?? I had, have, had, still have, had, have..... running and regret it still. Next I'm going with clumping. 😕 😕

Mike I'm with you - although this type looks gorgeous. I had a type of running bamboo once even though the nursery told me clumping. I spent the next 3 years with bloody Palms(hands) trying to get rid of it. Although I like the look, It did get me in trouble.

Paul

It is too invasive her and grows way too quickly! Guess our lots are too close together. I would love to keep it though.

I wish i could use it as a wind block but I
will more likely end up protecting it 😆

At least until it is well established.

As near as I can tell, all bamboo of all species and all ages in the Tulsa area is trashed. It will come back from the ground of course.
I have never protected bamboo with anything more than mulch but that has not worked for me the past two winters. 😥
Anyway, black bamboo is worth the effort. --Erik