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Phyllostachys nigra (Black bamboo)
1 hour care
per year
per year
4m
Max height
Max height
4m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Phyllostachys nigra
Other names
Black bamboo, Whangee cane, Kuro-chiku
Genus
Phyllostachys Phyllostachys
Species
P. nigra - P. nigra is a clump-forming, suckering, evergreen bamboo with glossy, black canes, green when young, and long, narrowly lance-shaped, green leaves.
Phyllostachys nigra is: Evergreen
Habit
Suckering, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Slugs Slugs
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged stems and thin out to show off stems to best effect. Promptly remove any flowering shoots.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Phyllostachys nigra (Black bamboo) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Hedging/Screens, Containers, Architectural
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Protect from cold, drying winds. Alternatively, grow in a container in loam-based compost, feeding once a month in growth. Site carefully as may become invasive in favourable growing conditions.
Soil type
Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Phyllostachys nigra
Other names
Black bamboo, Whangee cane, Kuro-chiku
Genus
Phyllostachys Phyllostachys
Species
P. nigra - P. nigra is a clump-forming, suckering, evergreen bamboo with glossy, black canes, green when young, and long, narrowly lance-shaped, green leaves.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Suckering, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged stems and thin out to show off stems to best effect. Promptly remove any flowering shoots.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Phyllostachys nigra (Black bamboo) will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Hedging/Screens, Containers, Architectural
Cultivation
Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Protect from cold, drying winds. Alternatively, grow in a container in loam-based compost, feeding once a month in growth. Site carefully as may become invasive in favourable growing conditions.
Soil type
Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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