
Are you trying to find the best bamboo for the most extreme environment? Nuda bamboo can survive even at -10°F (-23.3°C).
Quick Facts
- Common name: Nuda, Nude Sheath Bamboo
- Botanical name: Phyllostachys Nuda
- Type: Running
- Max. height: 34 feet (10.3 m)
- Average diameter: 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm)
- Hardiness: −10°F (-23°C)
- USDA zones: 5 to 10
- UK Hardiness Zones: H7-H2
- Light requirements: Sun to shady
- Best use: Privacy screening, construction, farm use, culinary

What are the characteristics of Nuda bamboos?
Nuda is the most cold-hardy of all Phyllostachys species from the Poaceae family. This species is commonly found in provinces of Taiwan and China. It has strong dark green canes and small leaves. It can survive even with the coldest temperatures of -10°F (-23.3°C) given that it is well-established and well-mulched.
This good looking evergreen bamboo has a dark bump and a brilliant ring of white powder underneath. It sometimes has 1 to 2 geniculate nodes near its base.
Fresh culms appear to be purplish green or almost black and will eventually lighten to harmonize with the leaf color. The small and dark-green leaves add more compliments to its beauty. They have a lanceolate shape ranging from 3 to 6 inches (7.6 – 15.24 cm) long.
Nuda bamboo is hermaphrodite. It has both male and female organs. It is pollinated mainly by wind. However, it may only flower in an interval of several years. It seems to direct its energy into forming seeds which makes it weaker. It may recover if left alone but it may not regain its original vigor.
It is an ideal companion plant. It may grow in the woodland without disturbing the nourished plants around. It doesn’t compete with hardwood trees because it has shallow roots.
It has a good timber quality perfect for construction and bamboo wood crafts.
How to take care of Phyllostachys Nuda?
Plant your Phyllostachys Nuda in well-drained soil with loads of organic material with a pH level of 6.5. Feed it with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring or mid-summer. Shift to a 0-10-10 compost by autumn. This bamboo needs moist soil. Slowly sprinkle about 1 gallon of water every week over the roots. Cover the ground around the stalks with a 3-inch (7.6 cm) layer of mulch in summer. This way it will insulate the soil for temperature changes and it will maintain the moisture.
They may not like the long freezing weather but they can survive up to -10°F (-23.3°C). They are also known to be resistant to honey fungus. The division of Nuda bamboos is best done in wet weather. Remember those small divisions will develop better than huge clumps.
What are the benefits of having Nuda bamboos?
Nuda bamboo culms are strong, solid, firm, and flexible. That’s why it is mostly used as holders for farm tools, garden accessories, fences, and as construction materials for sheds and small houses. These are also great for wooden furniture. They are also suitable for hedges or privacy screens, as well as an accent plant in any landscape.
Care for some culinary delight? The fresh shoots are an excellent choice for eating. You can safely consume it either fresh or cooked. They taste slightly bitter when raw. Boil them for a few minutes and mix them in your salad. There are tons of recipes out there.
The shoots are best harvested in spring. They should be about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the ground. Cut them at least 2 inches (5 cm) below the ground.
6 Comments
When can these be planted outside after sprouting? Does season/temperature matter? We live in zone 6.
Hi Kim, usually it is recommended to plant in spring so that it has time to take root. Young plants are more at risk to die if the winter temperature drops too low. You can still plant them in late summer or very early fall but you should protect them more in the first winter. If you are putting them in containers, you may be able to transfer them into the garage or any other protected area. If you grow them in-ground, you should add a thick layer of mulch. This will protect them too.
Can these plants be grown in UK soil conditions
Hi Shashank, good question but I would need more information from you! The UK has various soil conditions. Bamboo loves loamy, well-draining soil. However, there are bamboo species that can tolerate clay soil as well. From a weather standpoint, it’s possible that these plants can be grown in UK conditions. Check out UK nurseries to find plants that will do well. For more info, please read this article.
I’m also is Zone 6, planning on getting this type of bamboo for a privacy screen/fence option. I am going to rent an excavator to trench along my creek at the end of our property and install a barrier to keep the bamboo from spreading into other areas. What is the best soil/fertilizer/organic mix to use when I’m starting fresh. Also, is there any way to obtain this bamboo that’s not going to cause me to get a 2nd mortgage? Any help or direction is appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Jared!
I’d suggest checking out local nurseries, maybe plants will cost less. Another option would be propagation from existing plants if he knew someone who has this bamboo. Otherwise, I can’t come up with tips to find cheaper bamboo plants.
For fertilizer recommendations you can check our blog on Bamboo Plant Food – What’s The Best Fertilizer?