Black Bamboo Flowering in the UK [Phyllostachys Nigra]

Black bamboo plants are flowering in the UK. These images I took at the Kew Bamboo Garden show the cultivar Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'  Black Bamboo flowering.

This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time.

It is an interesting time for bamboo growers in the UK. The flowering black bamboo will die. 

Images of Black Bamboo Flowering in the UK

Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) flower & dies

The black bamboo flowers every 40 to 60 years, Every black bamboo plant in the UK will flower at the same time.

After flowering, that generation of black bamboo plants will die completely.

The seeds can be collected and planted to start a new stand of bamboo growth.

Also, cuttings from the rhizomes can be used to grow a new generation of plants.

Cultivars of Black Bamboo

More than 10 cultivars of black bamboo plants grow in the UK. This article has the details of the common cultivars that you should know.

On a recent visit to Kew Bamboo Garden, I noted that some black bamboo cultivars have not flowered except for the Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'.

Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'

Can you grow Black Bamboo Plants?

You may propagate the seeds and cuttings in preparation for next year, but refrain from re-potting and transplanting matured bamboo plants until next spring.

This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time. So hold on until the flowering season has passed.

Having said that, some black bamboo cultivars have not been seen to be flowering this year, which includes Phyllostachys nigra, Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis and  Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’.

Yet, it would be a good idea to hold off until next spring before growing them.