black bamboo

[herbie]

I bought a black bamboo plant from local tescos (half price offer) its got about 10 sticks in all 3 have leaves on ,about 5 are 3ft long or have been cut off and some smaller twigs at bottom it looks potbound to me is it safe to repot at this time of year?.Also dont really know whether to put inground or buy a big pot have looked at couple of sites which say its not invasive but i thought it spread like mad??.As youve proberly gathered im no great gardner but my hubby loves this plant .We only have a small garden so any ideas or info much appreciated also when i repot it says use peet,sand bone and slow fertilzer is that like miracle grow?? Thanks

[skylight]

Hi Herbie , I think the bamboo you have is Phyllostachys Nigra. This is clump forming, so not invasive. Also makes a good pot specimen. Knock it out of the pot and check if pot bound. If so ,repot using a good loamy compost and water well. Top dress with some horticultural grit. In the summer months be careful not to let pot dry out . If you plant it in the garden incorporate some well rotted manure. Whatever you do, do it now before any frost or failing that wait until early spring. You will find when new shoots appear in spring, they will be green but will turn black. Cut out any weak canes every 2 - 3 years. Feed in spring with a general fertilizer. Bamboo is very hardy. Hope this helps. cheers skylight