A handsome running bamboo whose canes mature from green to glossy jet black, prized as a feature. Spreads by invasive rhizomes, so must be grown in containers or behind a root barrier.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 6 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: high maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra is a fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Black Bamboo
Black Bamboo suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Black Bamboo does best in clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Black Bamboo does best with regular, moderate watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Cut Black Bamboo back hard in late winter to refresh it before the new season's growth. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Its ongoing care level is high maintenance.
Using Black Bamboo in the garden
Black Bamboo earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate as Black Bamboo. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Black Bamboo
Plant Sale lists Black Bamboo as potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
