Phyllostachys nigra

Black Bamboo

(36 customer reviews)

From: £59.95

Famed for its iconic black mature canes, Phyllostachys nigra has become the most popular ornamental bamboo across the globe.

Black Bamboo makes for a striking choice of statement bamboo that can be utilised in a variety of ways into nearly any garden.

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Origin: China
Genus: Phyllostachys
Species / Cultivar: nigra
Common Name: Black Bamboo
Synonym: Bambusa nigra

Plant Biography

Native to China where it has a wide range of medicinal and culinary uses, Black Bamboo is also prized for its use in decorative wood working as it retains its gorgeous dark tones when dried.

Phyllostachys nigra is one of the most beloved and useful bamboos when designing a garden because of its unusual jet black culms. New culms emerge green every spring and gradually turn black in one to three years, creating a constant contrast of light and dark culms that is brought together by its slender, dark green leaves.

There’s endless ways to style it, but as a starting point it often looks great in gardens that have either a contemporary, Japanese-style or lush jungle aesthetic. Because of its unique appearance it looks best planted as a single statement specimen.

Phyllostachys nigra
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
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: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 4-5m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 2-3m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

When planted in a dry position Black Bamboo is unlikely to reach its full potential, often resulting in the leaves appearing burnt and the canes stunted.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Phyllostachys nigra is quite slow to spread, but is vigorous once established so nonetheless requires the installation of root barrier.

It needs a position with plenty of light, out of the wind, and plenty of watering to thrive.

Phyllostachys nigra requires the installation of root barrier to prevent it from becoming invasive.
I am so pleased with my black bamboo. It arrived quickly, was wrapped very well and was in excellent condition. More importantly it was exactly as the picture showed so I wasnt let down as is often the case when buying on-line.

C Short

I am so pleased with my black bamboo. It arrived quickly, was wrapped very well and was in excellent condition. More importantly it was exactly as the picture showed so I wasnt let down as is often the case when buying on-line.

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36 customer reviews for Phyllostachys nigra

The best service possible. Very friendly staff on the phone to help answer my questions before and after purchasing and they even delayed delivery while I was on holiday. The plant arrived superbly wrapped and was such a joy unpacking it to find a beautiful healthy specimen. It has now been repotted and is taking pride of place on my patio. Will definitely be using The Palm Centre again.

George Rees –

Received my plant in excellent condition and extremely healthy. I had recently purchased one from homebase before knowing about the palm centre and realised that was a huge mistake! The bamboofrom the palm centre is absolutely gorgeous and clearly so well taken care of. I highly recommend them and wished I had purchased all my bamboo plants from them!

S Flash –

Excellent plant specimen, tall, healthy, and great value, well packed, and fast delivery. Best bamboo Ive ever bought.

W. Ogilvie –

Very efficient Company from ordering to delivery. Good quality plant wrapped really well to protect in transit. Would definitely use The Palm Centre again.

David Street –

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