Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Atrovaginata - Edible, Tolerates Soggy Soil

Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo is a tall garden bamboo but short compared to other timber bamboos. 

This evergreen running bamboo has tall upright green culms and edible shoots. 

It is also known as the Dark Incense Bamboo because of its scented leaves and dark edible shoots. 

Unlike other Phyllostachys bamboos, the Phyllostachys atrovaginata has special straw-like roots that are adapted to growing in waterlogged areas.

Bamboo description

• Name: Phyllostachys atrovaginata, Incense Bamboo, Timber Bamboo, Black Incense Bamboo.
• Foliage: Evergreen
• Culm: Upright, green canes, dark new shoots.
• Height: 6 - 9m, tall timber bamboo
• Spread: Running bamboo, invasive.

Growth requirement

• Site: Part shade to full sun.
• Soil: Can grow in soggy soil.
• Hardiness: – 20 to –15 degrees Celsius.
• Use: Bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden, tall privacy screen, edible bamboo.

Buy Timber Bamboos

Phyllostachys atrovaginata bamboo is ideal for a mini bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden or tall privacy screen. 

It is also edible bamboo, you can grow it in large heavy-duty container pots and enjoy the shoots. 

Here are some great UK retailers where you can buy the Timber Bamboos. 

If bamboo is not available, please contact the Garden Shops directly or message us.

Timber bamboos similar to Phyllostachys atrovaginata

Finding and choosing an ideal Timber Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be tricky. To help you, we list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the Phyllostachys atrovaginata. 

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: type, height, foliage, hardiness and use. 

Details for each bamboo can be found through the links provided, click for more information.

1. Phyllostachys Parvifolia Running Bamboo
2. Golden Chinese Bamboo Vivax Aureocaulis
3. Edulis Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys Pubescens
4. Giant Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides
5. Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Gracilis (Clump-forming)

Note that the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Gracilis is a tall clumping bamboo in this list.

Large Timber Bamboos

Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo

All in all, Phyllostachys atrovaginata is a fantastic bamboo renowned for its scented leaves and edible shoots. 

This tall running bamboo is perfect for large gardens, woodland forests, walkways and tall privacy screens. Root barriers are necessary for growing this bamboo. 

At G.B.P, our goal is to provide the right information for selecting the right bamboo to grow in the garden and in pots and containers. 

Based on our experience, we also offer bamboo growers’ tips and guides. You can get all the info you need to provide the right care for bamboo plants. 

You can see most of our work on YouTube.