Plant Finder
Punctata Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra 'Punctata'
Height: 60 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 6b
Description:
This popular variety is very fast growing, with new spring shoots that reach 30 feet by summer; culms are spotted burgundy the first year, and progress to a mottled black; very impressive along borders but must be controlled
Ornamental Features
Punctata Black Bamboo is primarily valued in the landscape for its pronouncedly upright and towering form. Its pointy leaves remain green in color throughout the year. The black stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.
Landscape Attributes
Punctata Black Bamboo is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Punctata Black Bamboo is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
Planting & Growing
Punctata Black Bamboo will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.
This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
