Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) steals the scene with inky culms that age from olive to espresso-black, contrasted by airy green leaves. Use it as a dramatic focal point, a modern screen that whispers in the wind, or a container specimen that brings sculptural calm to patios and entryways.
Culms color up best with good sun exposure and a bit of patience (typically darkening in the second or third year). In mild climates, it can push new shoots early, giving you quick height and a lush, vertical accent with year-round presence.
Black Bamboo Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil (loam or sandy mixes are ideal). Water regularly the first season to establish; thereafter, give deep, occasional soakings during hot, dry spells and avoid soggy roots. Feed in spring with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer or compost to support new shoots.
Mulch 2–3 inches to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches off the culms. Maintenance is simple: thin the oldest or crowded canes at ground level for fresh color and airflow, and tip-trim to your target height (avoid cutting mid-culm to prevent splits). Hardy in USDA Zones 6–10; protect young shoots from late frosts and drying winter winds.
Important note: Black Bamboo is a running bamboo. In the ground, contain rhizomes with a root barrier (HDPE 60–80 mil, 24–36 in deep, top edge 2 in above grade and angled outward) or grow in large containers to prevent spread.
Black Bamboo Spacing
For a dense privacy screen, plant 3–5 ft on center; for a looser, architectural row, space 6–8 ft apart. As a single specimen, allow a 6–8 ft diameter for the grove to mature.
In containers, choose a sturdy 20–30+ gallon pot with excellent drainage; place planters 2–3 ft apart for a continuous green wall.
Why Grow Black Bamboo?
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Ebony culms that deepen with age—high contrast and strong garden architecture
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Fast vertical coverage for screening, sound softening, and gentle shade
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Evergreen foliage that reads refined in modern and traditional designs
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Straightforward care: spring feed, seasonal thinning, and occasional tip-trims
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Flexible use in large containers where in-ground containment isn’t practical
A living sculpture with moody, black stems and feathered leaves—plant Black Bamboo for a bold screen or signature specimen that elevates the space in every season.
- SKU:
- EVE-BAM-BLA-LGL
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations