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Phyllostachys nigra
18L pot • Supplied approximately 200cm tall
Plant Highlights: Distinctive black canes • Graceful evergreen foliage • Fast-growing architectural bamboo • Excellent screening plant • Ideal for contemporary and Asian-inspired gardens
Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the most striking ornamental bamboos, valued for its elegant upright habit and dramatic ebony-black canes. New culms emerge green before gradually maturing to their characteristic black colour, contrasting beautifully with the fine, fresh green foliage to create year-round interest.
Its tall, graceful form makes it an outstanding choice for screening, creating privacy, or adding movement and architectural structure to the garden. Whether planted as a specimen, in a grove or in a large container, Black Bamboo brings a distinctive contemporary character to outdoor spaces.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Phyllostachys nigra |
| Common Name | Black Bamboo |
| Plant Type | Evergreen running bamboo |
| Foliage | Narrow, fresh green evergreen leaves |
| Seasonal Interest | Green new canes mature to glossy black, providing year-round architectural interest |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading bamboo with graceful arching canes |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil |
| Mature Height | Approximately 4–6m |
| Mature Spread | Spreading habit; width depends on management and planting conditions |
| Hardiness | Hardy in Irish gardens and well suited to the Irish climate when grown in fertile, moist soil. |
Plant in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered position encourages strong growth and the best cane development.
Water regularly during the first growing seasons to establish a deep root system. Once established, continue to water during prolonged dry spells, especially for container-grown plants.
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid soils that remain waterlogged during winter.
This evergreen bamboo is hardy throughout Ireland. Apply an organic mulch annually to help conserve moisture and maintain healthy soil conditions.
Remove older or damaged canes at ground level to maintain an open, attractive clump. As Phyllostachys nigra is a running bamboo, install a suitable bamboo root barrier before planting in the ground, or grow it in a large container where spread needs to be controlled.
The supplied height of approximately 200cm refers to the plant at the time of sale and not its mature height. New canes emerge green and gradually develop their distinctive black colouring over time. As a running bamboo, it is best planted with an appropriate root barrier if grown in open ground.

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