Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, OR, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!