Fargesia nitida ‘Black pearl’ is a striking clump forming bamboo with graceful upright canes in tones of green and dark purple-black holding a distinctive arching canopy of lush fresh green foliage up to around 3-4 metres tall.
The Fountain Bamboo is a cold hardy and evergreen bamboo, that does best in dappled shade, sheltered from strong winds and supplied with good irrigation. The ‘Black Pearl’ cultivar has dark purple to almost black canes which provide pleasing contrast with its green foliage.
These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.
Origin: Szechwan, China
Genus: Fargesia
Species / Cultivar: nitida 'Black Pearl'
Common Name: Black Fountain Bamboo
Plant Biography
Originally from China, the Szechwan province, the Fargesia nitida family of bamboo has always been the staple food for the giant panda bears.
It’s common name, the Fountain bamboo, is descriptive of its thin canes habit to arch down under their own weight.
The ‘Black Pearl’ cultivar has been selectively grown to have almost black canes that contrast with the bright green evergreen foliage. These dark canes make it a good alternative to Phyllostachys nigra.
Soil: Well drained
Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Final Size: Medium
Final size will be suitable for a table, plant stand, or large strong shelf.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 3-4m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 1.0 - 1.5m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Expert Tip
An ideal plant for containers, as its roots are not fast spreading. Keep it well watered and fed with slow release fertiliser throughout the season to encourage lush green foliage.
Care & Size Guidance
Ideally planted in part shaded areas, the Black Fountain Bamboo is ideal for screening as it grows in a compact way.
Fargesia nitida family is a clump forming family of bamboo, and it does not require a root barrier installed to contain it.
What a gem find The Palm centre is. Very reasonably priced, and securely packaged. So pleased with my Black Bamboo, can’t wait for it to mature. Will be my first port of call when ready to order again.
14 customer reviews for Fargesia nitida ‘Black Pearl’
Rated 5 out of 5
Absolutely first class service, order placed yesterday, arrived just after eight am today.
Arthur Harris (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Absolutely beautiful Black Pearl. So pleased with it. Really healthy plant and was lucky enough to nab one in the sale so it is a good size. Packaged well & delivered with care. Thank you
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Absolutely first class service, order placed yesterday, arrived just after eight am today.
Arthur Harris (verified owner) –
Absolutely beautiful Black Pearl. So pleased with it. Really healthy plant and was lucky enough to nab one in the sale so it is a good size. Packaged well & delivered with care. Thank you
Ginny Barker (verified owner) –