Black Bamboo

Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) description

Black Bamboo originates in South Central China where it is has a myriad of uses, from food to building materials and even musical instruments! Here in the UK however, we love black bamboo for its ornamental qualities, with it fast becoming a favourite design element in our gardens, either as a stand-alone feature or as an evergreen screen or exotic hedge. Black Bamboo creates a unique focal point in any garden with its ebony arching canes and long, slender leaves which flutter and sway attractively in the breeze and can instantly create a calming, peaceful space.

Black bamboo is extremely fast-growing so it is best planted in a spacious area, allowing it to spread. Whilst this species is classed as a 'running' bamboo which means its roots can spread out quickly, it is easy to restrict its spread. We recommend using a solid, impenetrable root barrier when planting and be vigilant at cutting back the new canes as they appear. Phyllostachys nigra prefers moist to well-drained soils in a sheltered, sunny to partially shaded site. Black Bamboo requires regular watering until it is established.

Most common uses for Black Bamboo hedging

Once the black bamboo plants have settled in and the tall, black canes have arrived, Phyllostachys nigra makes a wonderfully attractive, evergreen privacy screen or hedge. However, it can also be grown in large containers as an eye-catching addition to the patio, creating a restful space with soft movement. Interestingly, it can be useful in areas where deer may be a problem as they tend to avoid it.

Combine Phyllostachys nigra with

We recommend growing this evergreen plant alone to create a dense, effective and attractive black bamboo hedge, or as a stand-alone feature in a large pot.

Growth rate of Black Bamboo

Phyllostachys nigra is very fast growing and can achieve more than 60cm pa. Black Bamboo will reach heights of up to 4m+ but can be maintained at a more reasonable height.

Care advice for Phyllostachys nigra hedges

As Phyllostachys nigra is a fast growing plant it will need to be pruned regularly to prevent from spreading farther than desired. In the spring, unwanted or spindly canes should be cut down to ground level. New black bamboo shoots should also be pruned once they grow taller than the already established stems. Please view the best4hedging Care and Planting instructions in our Advice section.

Suggested planting density

For information on planting density for Black Bamboo please see the product table above. In the 'No. Per Metre' column, you will find our recommended plant density for each individual plant species and root type.

Black Bamboo hedges are available to buy year-round as Pot Grown plants.

The majority of our Black Bamboo hedging is UK grown by our hands-on experts who have years of nursery growing know-how. On the rare occasion that we source Black Bamboo from outside of the UK, we make it our priority to ensure that our suppliers are unbeaten on quality. At best4hedging we make every effort to make sure that your black bamboo plants reach you in the freshest condition and that they are of the highest standard, all whilst protecting our superb prices. Rest assured, you can buy Phyllostachys nigra hedging plants online with absolute confidence.

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