Phyllostachys nigra Megurochiku - Black Bamboo

Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku' is a rare collector's bamboo, originally from a Japanese island. It stands out with its green culms striped with black, a particularly unique colour combination in this genus. Usually of medium size, it can however exceed 10m (33ft) in height when the growing conditions are favourable. Moderately running, it has a distinctly upright habit, forming beautiful clumps or large hedges, dense with its abundant dark green foliage. Very hardy, it grows in full sun or partial shade, in neutral to acidic soil, moist but with good drainage. An unusual variety that deserves attention!

This bamboo belongs to the Poaceae family, or grasses. While some species can reach tens of metres in height and form culms as hard as wood, they are not trees, but rather grasses. There are over a thousand species, distributed on all continents except Antarctica. Phyllostachys nigra, or black bamboo, comes from China like many other species in this genus. It is very aesthetically pleasing with its black culms and is widely used in ornamental gardens.

'Megurochiku' is a Japanese variety, originating from a small island of less than 600 km², Awaji-shima, where it is quite rare. It was introduced to the United States and southern France around 1980, but remains relatively uncommon in cultivation. Quite different from the botanical species, this bamboo forms green culms that, after 1 or 2 years, become adorned with a black stripe between the nodes. This is the internodal groove (also called sulcus), a slightly concave area that extends from one node to another, which takes on this dark colour, creating a beautiful contrast. As it ages, the culms turn from green to a light brown, more or less yellow. The foliage of this variety is very decorative, the elongated leaves, 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long and 1.2cm (1in) wide, are thin and a beautiful dark green colour. Very numerous, they form a dense vegetation well suited for hedge formation. This Phyllostachys has a distinctly upright habit and usually measures between 5 and 8m (16 and 26ft) in height, but under the right growing conditions, it can exceed 10m. However, you will need to be patient as its growth rate is moderate. It spreads each year a little more through its running rhizomes and, unless you have a very large plot of land, it will need to be contained with a rhizome barrier installed at planting. However, leave at least 4 to 6m² available for it to establish well. Year after year, you will see it progress in height and width, and after 4 to 5 years, it will form a superb clump.

Fairly easy to grow, it has the same needs as most other Phyllostachys: neutral to acidic soil, remaining moist, with good drainage to avoid excess water. It thrives in full sun and partial shade and is cold-resistant, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°C. Cool locations are even known to enhance the coloration of the culms.

Phyllostachys 'Megurochiku' is a gem for collectors and enthusiasts of rare bamboos. While its silhouette is classic, its green and black culms are unusual and highly decorative. They will create a stunning contrast with yellow culms like those of the Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) or those of the Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', yellow with green stripes. You can also plant it alongside other plants that have the same cultural requirements, such as Sassafras albidum. This large shrub or small tree has rapid growth, and its curious entire or trilobed foliage takes on sumptuous autumnal colours. It also appreciates cool, non-calcareous soils, in sunny or partial shade exposures.