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Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo)

Black Bamboo, Whangee Cane, Kuro-Chiku, Bambusa nigra, Running Bamboo

AGM Award
Phyllostachys nigra, Black Bamboo, Whangee Cane, Kuro-Chiku, Bambusa nigra, Running Bamboo, Evergreen Bamboo, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil
Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Phyllostachys aureocaulis, Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis', Running Bamboo, Evergreen Bamboo, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil

Prized as a garden ornamental, Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) is a striking evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, polished black canes that arch slightly at the top. Olive green at first, the culms, 2 in. wide (5 cm), quickly become mottled brown-black before maturing to almost jet black within 2-3 years. Since the culms do not mature at the same time, there is always a rich display of green and black culms. They contrast beautifully with the short and narrow, glossy green leaves, up to 5 in. (12 cm). Vigorous, this running bamboo makes an outstanding specimen or focal point in the landscape. It can also be used as a screen and can be grown in containers. One of the most popular ornamental bamboos. Hardiness: 14 to -4ºF (-10 to -20ºC).

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (4-8 m) and 8-15 ft. wide (2-5 m).
  • A full sun or partial shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Best planted in an open position. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but can become invasive in warm, moist or optimum conditions.
  • Great choice as an accent plant, for hedges and screens and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer are generally not problematic.
  • Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
  • Propagate by division in spring.
  • Native to China. Phyllostachys nigra can form dense thickets that displace native species. Once this plant is established, it is difficult to remove. 
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 4 - 11
Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Phyllostachys
Common names Bamboo, Black Bamboo
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 8' - 15'
(240cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Phyllostachys bambusoides ‘Holochrysa’ (Allgold Bamboo)
Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens (Green-Glaucous Bamboo)
Phyllostachys aurea (Fish-Pole Bamboo)
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Showy Yellow Grove Bamboo)
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis (Yellow Grove Bamboo)
Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’ (Tiger Bamboo)

Recommended Companion Plants

Rheum palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb)
Symphytum caucasicum (Caucasian Comfrey)
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 4 - 11
Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Phyllostachys
Common names Bamboo, Black Bamboo
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 8' - 15'
(240cm - 4.6m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Phyllostachys to pick?
Compare Now

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