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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Black Bamboo is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Black Bamboo with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.