How to Grow Black Running Bamboo

Dig a hole 1 foot deep by 1 foot wide to plant the black bamboo in, situated in partial to full sun, using a shovel. Select location protected from strong winds, since strong winds can pull the bamboo from the ground. Use the shovel to make the hole two times larger than the bamboo's container.

Place each hole within its own space, 20 feet in circumference, if you wish the black bamboo to grow to its tallest height. Add a 4-inch layer of aged manure compost into the bottom of the hole. Use a garden fork to mix the manure into the hole for even distribution.

Add a 4-inch layer of aged manure compost into the bottom of the hole. Use a garden fork to mix the manure into the hole for even distribution.

Remove the black bamboo from its existing container without disturbing or damaging the rhizomes. Set the black bamboo into the hole and backfill with the removed dirt. Pack the soil around the black bamboo until the top of the root ball has 2 to 3 inches of soil above.

Saturate the soil surrounding the black bamboo plant with a garden hose. Apply a layer 2 inches thick of composted manure around the base of the black bamboo stems.

Apply a thick, 4-inch layer of bark mulch around the black bamboo plants to keep the area weed-free and moist.

Water the black bamboo three to four times per week to give the plant adequate moisture. Give the black bamboo a feeding of liquid, high nitrogen (21-5-6) fertilizer at the start of new growth and during the middle of summer. Fertilizers contain varied amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium combinations.