Never heard of it much less grown it. I would however doubt the "behaves like a clumper" claim. I wouldn't believe it 'til I saw it. That is, after reading so many claims that Ph. Nigra does not run aggressively, and knowing what rubbish that is.

Going back about 7 years ago, I planted nigra in the ground. The next year it was over 10 feet from where it was planted.It is not a clumper here in Jersey I know that. It's amazing to read a few of the bamboo books that are written by people in the U.K. and they say they are clumpers there. I am envious of there climate in that respect.As far as the nursery growers out there, it might be good or bad that they are clumpers there,I definately wish they were clumpers here in Jersey......

I grow it here, but it is still young. It's growing habit is such that it spreads like regular nigra, which here is very very fast, but each time it puts up a culm, instead of one culm, it grows several in a clump, then runs to another spot and puts up a small clump. I don't think it will grow in a 'single' contained clump. I need more time to see how it does in the long term.

Kt

Thanks for the feedback on this cultivar of Ph. nigra. I guess I can't trust it to be a clumper..... how disappointing..... But good to know this before buying it! Thanks again. Jan

Kentuck 8b, where'd you get you Othello. I know it's fairly rare in U.S.. I have a line on a 45 gallon for cheap. It's legitimate from a know bamboo nursery and has the papers from ABS auction years ago on the twigs he bought.
Should I buy?? Might be able to make my money back plus some on a few trades. (Still have the Othello)