Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’ (Tiger Bamboo)

Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’ (Tiger Bamboo) is a very distinctive evergreen bamboo with tall, upright canes spotted with green and brown. Olive green at first, the culms, 2 in. wide (5 cm), quickly become spotted with dark brown, then take on a dark shiny brown color over a 2-3 year period. They tend to arch heavily from midlength and contrast beautifully with the short and narrow, pointed leaves, up to 5 in. (12 cm). The exceptional wood quality and straight culms of this large timber bamboo make it ideal for construction. In Japan, the culms of this bamboo are prized for use in teahouses. More vigorous than the species, this running bamboo makes an outstanding specimen or focal point in the landscape. It can also be used as a screen and can be grown in containers. Hardiness: 14 to -4ºF (-10 to -20ºC)

• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (4-8 m) and 8-15 ft. wide (2-5 m).
• Performs best in full sun or partial shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Best planted in an open position. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but can become invasive in warm, moist, or optimum conditions.
• Great choice as an accent plant, for hedges and screens, and containers.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Deer are generally not problematic.
• Remove weak, dead, damaged, or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to the best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
• Propagate by division in spring.
• Phyllostachys nigra species is native to China. It can form dense thickets that displace native species. Once this plant is established, it is difficult to remove. 
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.