Both the black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra or Black Bamboo) and the black garden bamboo (Bambus fargesia nitida “Black Pearl”) are hardy. In a mild winter with only light frost, both species have no problem.
Is black bamboo hardy?
Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is hardy down to -20 °C, while the black garden bamboo (Fargesia nitida “Black Pearl”) can tolerate temperatures down to -25 °C. In winter, both species require regular watering on frost-free days and younger plants should also be protected from frost.
However, if the temperatures fall below -20 °C, the black garden bamboo has a better chance of surviving because it can tolerate frost down to -25 °C, but the black bamboo can only tolerate -16 °C or even -20, depending on the variety °C. Young bamboo is generally not as frost hardy in the first few years as older bamboo of the same variety. They need winter protection.
How do I care for my black bamboo in winter?
No matter which type of bamboo you have planted in your garden, it needs a certain amount of care even in winter in order to survive. It should be watered regularly even when it is cold, but only on frost-free days. The more sun it gets in winter, the more moisture evaporates through its leaves and the more water the bamboo needs.
You can additionally protect sensitive bamboo and your young plants from frost by placing a thick layer of leaves, straw or brushwood on the root ball. You can wrap the above-ground parts of your bamboo with an old sack or special fleece (€23.00 on Amazon). In this way you also reduce evaporation and protect the bamboo from both freezing and dying of thirst.
If you have placed your bamboo in a planter, for example in a bucket, then it is best to overwinter it in a cool room or in a cold house. This means that even very sensitive varieties are suitable for cultivation in Germany. However, the bamboo there does not grow as big as in the open field.
The most important things in brief:
- Phyllostachys nigra hardy down to – 16 °C or – 20 °C
- Black garden bamboo (Bambus fargesia nitida “Black Pearl”) hardy down to – 25 °C
- protect young bamboo from frost
- water on frost-free days even in winter
- Do not overwinter bamboo in a pot outside
Tip
Don't forget to water your black bamboo even in winter. At the latest when it rolls up the leaves, it urgently needs water.
