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    • Photo of Phyllostachys nigra culms by Karl Gercens III

    Photo by Karl Gercens III

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Phyllostachys nigra

    Also Known As

    • Phyllostachys nigra 'Black Jade'
    • Black Bamboo

    Plant type

    bamboo

    size

    • H: 20'-40'
    • W: 20'-50'

    planting zones

    • 7a-10b

    More Options

    Phyllostachys nigra plant details

    Phyllostachys nigra is a fast-growing evergreen bamboo with green foliage. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Phyllostachys nigra

    Plant type: bamboo
    Plant family: poaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 20 FT - 50 FT - wide, 20 FT - 40 FT - tall
    Uses: distinctive bark, easy-to-grow, running, screen, spreading, tropical-looking, windbreak, year round interest

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Phyllostachys nigra

    USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: regular
    Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    ?Its color, striking stance, and hardiness [have made this] a favorite ornamental with excellent wood prized for cabinetwork? (Farrelly); a 20-30' (1 1/2" diam.) runner, it turns from green to a solid and bold black. S-PSh/M

    By: Forestfarm

    Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) was the first bamboo to be introduced into the west, and sparked much of today's interest in bamboo. The shoots emerge as an olive green and then turn pitch black in the coming years. It often spreads less than others of the genus, forming a diffuse clump. When planted in a mostly sunny, open area with plenty of water, the culms can reach a massive height, towering over smaller shrubs and trees. But it can also be kept smaller and tighter by trimming it back each year to form a dense hedge. The lower branches can also be trimmed back each year to make the green and black culms more visible. P. nigra is one of the most ornamental bamboos that can be grown in the west, and is one of the most popular bamboos in the world.

    Even though Black is generally a slower runner, as with most others in the genus, Phyllostachys nigra can spread rapidly, especially when in need of water. Rhizomes spread underground and grow roots to get additional water, then send up shoots for additional energy. To help prevent excessive spreading, make sure you feed and water your plant well.

    Phyllostachys nigra seems to be easily damaged by extended periods of cold when the roots freeze, such as when the plant is in a container. Every few years we lose several black bamboos to the cold and we suggest using caution when keeping them in pots. Keeping them well-watered before the cold sets in is important in keeping them alive.

    By: Red Panda Nursery

    Green behind the ears. Or is it wet? A green-horn for the first year. Then increasingly Black, which of course, is beautiful. to 40’

    By: Utility Research Garden

    Striking black culms, contrasting with its green foliage make Black Bamboo one of most popular bamboos. New culms generate each spring, and transition to black over one to three years. It's spreading rate progresses as it ages. Great specimen plant, or can be used to form a privacy hedge.

    By: Garden World

    One of the most distinctive and popular bamboos in our area. New culms (stems) are at first green then darken permanently to true black which contrasts well with the mid green evergreen leaves. Considered to be a non-invasive clumping or lightly spreading bamboo. Established plants will send out some runners though these, in my experience, have travelled shallowly at the ground surface and have been quite easy to control.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys Nigra): a species of flowering plant in the bamboo subfamily of the grass family Poaceae, native to central and eastern China. Growing up to 5 m (16') tall by 3 m (10') broad, it forms clumps of slender arching canes which turn black after two or three seasons. The abundant lance-shaped leaves are 4–13 cm (2–5 in) long.

    By: Oregon Palm Nursery

    Thick purplish-black canes to 15' are accented by silvery rings at each joint. Canes emerge green and mature to black. Normally a clump forming variety in cooler northern portions of its range but can become a rampant spreading bamboo in warmer regions.

    By: Almost Eden

    A cold hardy bamboo good to 5 °F. Black Bamboo Has jet black culms and feathery green leaves. Under ideal conditions Black Bamboo will grow to 40' in height and over 2" in diameter. New culms emerge green every spring and then gradually turn black in two to three years.

    By: Tejas Tropicals

    A graceful grower that enjoys partial shade, especially where summers can be very warm. The new culms appear green before turning pure jet black in the second or third year. A small growing running species, usually reaching only 10' to 15' when uncontrolled.

    By: Greer Gardens Inc.

    Visitors to the garden always admire the shiny ebony black 2 or 3 year old canes of this running bamboo that grows to 15' or more tall.

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Gardening facts about Phyllostachys nigra plant

    How to Grow Phyllostachys nigra

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • regular

    • Soil Needs

      • adaptable
      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • grassy

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