Description:

Phyllostachys atrovaginata is commonly referred to as Incense Bamboo for its fragrant culms.  I love working around this bamboo on warm, sunny days when its spicy, scent is most noticeable (some compare it to sandalwood).  It is a vigorous runner here in western Washington, and the strongly tapered culms can grow to about 30’ with a base diameter of about 2”.  It has a strongly upright habit once established, the poles are fairly sturdy, and the shoots are reported to be quite tasty.  It thrives in rich, organic, somewhat acid soils, with minimal summer irrigation, but it is also one of the very few bamboos well-adapted for wet or boggy soils.  This is a great looking, big bamboo for a large screen, or grove.

Planting History:

I purchased this bamboo from Bamboo Gardener in October 1998.  I first planted it out in a shady location where it grew well until spring 2000, at which time I dug it up, divided it, and transplanted one of the divisions into a location with a full sun exposure.  Growing in nearly pure sand (coarse sand let over from the septic drain field) with minimal summer irrigation, it runs vigorously and has increased in size rapidly.  After transplanting, the initial shoots were tightly spaced, close to the mother plant, and had a splayed habit.   As the planting matured and rhizome spread away from the mother plant, the culms became more widely spaced, much larger, and very upright.  In fall, 2004, I discovered rhizomes that grew over 10’ during the 2004 growing season.  

Rhizomes propagate fairly well, and divisions taken in spring, summer or fall have survived with the least bit of root and rhizome attached.  Container plants need regular water, and do well in shade.

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