Phyllostachys atrovaginata
Incense Bamboo
- Main interest:
- attractive new shoots, mild sandalwood fragrance, hardy
- Exposure:
- full sun to shade, fares well in wetlands
- Growth type:
- running
- Foliage:
- green culms with patterning, green foliage, evergreen
- USDA Hardiness:
- rhizome hardy to zone 5a: -29°C (-20°F), stems to zone 6b: -20.6°C (-5°F) View Zone Map
- Mature height & width (max.):
- height: up to 33 ft (10 m)
- Use:
- wetlands, hedges, summer privacy screens
Incense Bamboo (Phyllostachys atrovaginata) has stiff, upright green culms that have a very attractive criss-cross pattern on the wine coloured sheaths. The culms are quite large in diameter (up to 7 cm) for the height of the species (up to 10 m). Incense Bamboo derives its common name from its mild sandalwood fragrance, released in warm weather and when rubbed. One of the rare bamboos that fares well in wetland locations, due to its rhizomes and roots having air canals as an adaptation for living in wet soil. Fertilize with Nettle Tea. Gain a hardiness zone with a winter cover.
In USDA Climate Zones expect the following mature size culm heights:
Zone 7, 8 - 25 feet
Zone 6 - 12 feet
Zone 5 - 8 feet
Please use availability information as a guide only. The weather is a fickle thing, and impacts when our plants are actually available for shipping. Please be aware that we are not answering emails regarding plants availability. The best advice we can give you is to check back once in a while, choose a size option and check the current stock.
Synonym(s): Phyllostachys congesta