Black Bamboo

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15-25 Feet

Mature Spread

5-10 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 10

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?

• Ebony culms that deepen with age—high contrast and strong garden architecture

• Fast vertical coverage for screening, sound softening, and gentle shade

• Evergreen foliage that reads refined in modern and traditional designs

• Straightforward care: spring feed, seasonal thinning, and occasional tip-trims

• 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.