Phyllostachys Nigra – Black Bamboo

The most striking bamboo you can grow

With its glossy, near-black canes and clouds of fresh green foliage, Phyllostachys nigra is one of the most admired and recognisable bamboos in the world. Known simply as black bamboo, it brings instant drama and sophistication to any garden, whether grown as a stand-alone feature, a stylish screen or a statement plant in a large pot. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and has been grown in European gardens for nearly two centuries, making it a tried-and-tested choice for British growers.

The magic of black bamboo lies in its changing colour. New canes emerge a bright green in spring, then gradually darken over their first year or two, becoming mottled and finally a rich, glossy ebony. At any one time you'll see a mix of green and black canes, which adds depth and interest to the clump. The contrast between the dark canes and the delicate, bright green leaves is simply stunning, especially when lit by low sunshine or garden lighting.

Key Features

• Glossy black canes: Green new canes mature to a deep, shiny black, creating a dramatic focal point

• Evergreen: Keeps its fine, lush foliage all year round for constant structure and privacy

• Graceful habit: Tall canes arch gently under the weight of their leaves, giving an elegant, relaxed shape

• Hardy: Tolerates typical British winters, coping with temperatures down to around -15°C to -18°C

• Versatile: Equally at home in borders, as screening or in large containers

• Easily managed height: Can be trimmed to keep it at the height that suits your space

• Non-toxic: Safe to grow in gardens used by children and pets

Size and Growth

In the ground, black bamboo usually reaches around 4–5 metres in height when mature, though it can grow a little taller in ideal, sheltered conditions and will stay smaller in containers or drier soils. Like most bamboos, it takes a couple of years to settle in, putting its energy into its roots first. Once established, it sends up new canes each spring, with each year's shoots typically taller and thicker than the last.

An important note on spreading

Phyllostachys nigra is often sold as "clump-forming", but it is actually a running bamboo, meaning it can spread by underground stems (rhizomes). In the cooler UK climate it tends to be slow to spread and often stays fairly compact for its first few years, particularly in poorer or drier soils. However, once well established in rich, moist ground, it can become vigorous and start to travel.

To keep it neatly in place, we recommend one of the following:

• Install a bamboo root barrier: Use a rigid, heavy-duty plastic barrier sunk around 60cm deep, leaving a few centimetres above soil level so you can spot any rhizomes trying to escape over the top

• Grow it in a large container: A great way to enjoy black bamboo on patios and in smaller gardens with no risk of spreading

• Check annually: Each autumn, walk around the plant and cut off any wandering rhizomes with a sharp spade

A little planning at the start means you can enjoy this spectacular plant for many years without any worries.

Where to plant it

• Feature planting: A single clump makes a spectacular centrepiece in a border, courtyard or lawn

• Privacy screening: Plant in a row to create a tall, elegant screen along fences, walls or boundaries

• Containers: Looks superb in large, contemporary pots on patios, decking or roof terraces

• Japanese, tropical and modern gardens: A natural partner for acers, ferns, hostas, grasses such as Hakonechloa and Miscanthus, and exotic plants such as Fatsia and Trachycarpus

• Mixed bamboo planting: Grow alongside a green-caned bamboo for a striking contrast

• Near lighting: Uplighting the dark canes creates a beautiful evening effect

Growing conditions

Light: Black bamboo grows well in full sun to partial shade. The canes develop their deepest, glossiest black colour in a sunny position, so give it plenty of light for the best effect.

Soil: It prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It dislikes both dry ground, where it can become stunted with scorched leaves, and soil that stays waterlogged over winter.

Shelter: Its dainty leaves can be scorched by strong, cold, drying winds, so a sheltered spot will keep it looking its best, particularly through winter.

Planting guide

• If planting in the ground, install your root barrier first, leaving plenty of room inside it for the plant to grow

• Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth

• Loosen the soil at the base and mix in plenty of well-rotted compost or organic matter

• Set the plant at the same level it was growing in its pot

• Backfill, firm in gently and water thoroughly

• Mulch around the base with bark or compost to hold in moisture and suppress weeds

• For a screen, space plants roughly 1 metre apart

Caring for your bamboo

Watering: Black bamboo is a thirsty plant and moisture is the key to success. Water regularly throughout the first growing season and during any dry spells after that, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Plants in containers will need frequent watering in summer.

Feeding: Feed with a general-purpose or high-nitrogen fertiliser from late spring through summer to encourage strong new canes and healthy, lush foliage. Container plants benefit from a balanced liquid feed about once a month during the growing season.

Pruning: In spring, remove any weak, dead, damaged or spindly canes at ground level. Thinning out some of the older canes every year or two helps show off the black stems. For an extra-elegant look, many gardeners remove the lower side shoots from the canes up to around 1 metre high so the dark canes are on full display. It can also be trimmed at the top to control its height.

Leaf drop: It's normal for some older leaves to yellow and fall in late autumn and early winter. These are replaced by fresh growth in spring.

Leaf curl: Leaves rolling up in warm weather are a sign the plant needs water, so give it a thorough soak.

Growing in containers

Black bamboo is one of the best bamboos for pots, and container growing is an easy way to enjoy it without any worries about spreading. Choose a large, sturdy container with good drainage holes and use a loam-based, peat-free compost such as John Innes No. 3. Keep it well watered, especially in summer, feed regularly during the growing season and divide or pot on every few years once it becomes congested.

Why choose Phyllostachys nigra?

Few plants make an impact quite like black bamboo. Its glossy ebony canes, graceful shape and year-round greenery give a garden instant style and character, whether you're after a dramatic focal point, a sophisticated screen or a showpiece for the patio. Hardy, adaptable and easy to care for, it's a timeless choice that rewards a little care with years of beauty.

Please Note: Our bamboo pictures are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the height / size of plants you will receive. Plant sizes depend on both the pot size and also the amount of growth of the plant during a particular growing season. In some cases, particularly for fast growing bamboos, this can result in a big difference in height within a single season, meaning any height information we show becomes quickly outdated. For this reason, we generally avoid specifying supplied heights for our bamboos. If you have any questions before making a purchase, please feel free to contact us on 01782 502741.