Phyllostachys atrovaginata/congesta – Incense Bamboo

General Information: A stately running Bamboo with a strongly tapered and stiffly upright habit. The branches grow outwards almost perpendicular to the culm (cane). One of the most cold-hardy of all Phyllostachys Bamboos. This species often reveals a fragrant incense scent during warm weather or when vigorously rubbed. Spreads and increases in height quickly. This species tolerates wet soils better than our other Phyllostachys species and mature stands can tolerate growing right up to the water’s edge thanks to air canals within the plant’s rhizomes. This species is among the best for edible shoot production, producing abundant shoots that are delicious raw, or cooked. The wood is solid and very useful for construction, crafting musical instruments, and splitting for weaving. At our farm in Zone 6a, this species reaches 15-20 feet with a culm diameter of about 1 inch. The species name “atrovaginata,” meaning “dark sheath” is most often used to describe this species in literature and the nursery trade, although the former name “congesta” meaning “heaped” is still sometimes used.

Cultivation Details: Running Bamboo such as this species can be aggressive and form large colonies. Consider installing a rhizome barrier, berm, trench, or adopting a strict mowing plan to limit the spread of this species. We have observed the rhizomes of P. atrovaginata travel particularly long distances, up to 30 feet away from the grove, before a new cane emerges. P. atrovaginata is the most deep-rooted of all the Phyllostachys Bamboos we offer, with rhizomes often occurring 10-12 inches below the soil surface. A typical Phyllostachys rhizome is 3-6 inches below the soil surface and is easier to control with simpler methods like trenching. Incense Bamboo growers should note the rhizome depth, and plan their sites accordingly. Additionally, when these plants are received, a few inches of yellowing at the base of the culm will often be noted. This yellowing is where the culm was underground, and where the top layer of excess soil was removed from the root ball. This species of Bamboo should be planted to the depth of where the yellowing stops and where the green begins. Counterintuitively, this means burying the entire root ball and a portion of the culm, as this was where the soil level naturally was for the plant. We do not advise planting this species directly into wet soil. Creating a berm in wet conditions or establishing the grove so that as it spreads it will encroach on wet areas will ensure the greatest chance of success if the plant is desired for wetter conditions. We have noted this species to be among the most cold-hardy on our farm, withstanding wind chill temperatures of -10°F, however the American Bamboo Society has this species listed as tolerant to -15°F.

Planting Requirements: Plant in full sun or partial shade, some growers report good shade tolerance. Sections of our grove are significantly shaded, but growth there is notably limited. Succeeds in most soil types including moist to wet soil. Tolerates wet soils better once established. Suitable for most soil pH.

Note: For quantity or wholesale pricing, if you need to schedule a delivery, or if you wish to pick up plants at the farm, e-mail us at: Info@tripplebrookfarm.com. Whenever possible, it is preferable to pick up plants here at the farm so we can dig huskier root balls.