Phyllostachys nigra (Black bamboo)

Phyllostachys nigra Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

(Based on 1 user review)

Rate this plant

Plant Showcase - from our advertisers


Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Phyllostachys nigra fil-lo-STAK-iss NY-grah Common Name: Black bamboo Genus: Phyllostachys
This clumping bamboo is native to eastern and central China and can reach 15 feet tall and almost as wide. After two or three years, slender green culms turn a lustrous black. The foliage is abundant and dark green, making a stunning combination with the stems. Grow as screening, in large containers, or in a woodland setting where the stems can be appreciated.
Noteworthy characteristics: Lustrous black culms contrast with the green leaves.
Care: Plant in a protected area in fertile, rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Propagation: Divide in spring.
Problems: Rust and stem smut are common, while slugs and snails may attack emerging shoots.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Black
Uses , Beds and Borders, Container, Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style , Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses

Plants you might also like

Pleioblastus viridistriatus Pleioblastus viridistriatus
(Golden bamboo, Kamuro-zasa )
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This bamboo has showy variegated leaves of green and gold in an irregular pattern of stripes. It is a running bamboo, making it good for naturalizing and filling in or for hedging, but it may need to be controlled by underground barriers. It grows to about 5 feet high.

Phyllostachys nuda Phyllostachys nuda
(Nuda bamboo)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Nuda is one of the hardiest bamboos. New culms emerge purplish green, eventually lightening to match the leaf color. This is a running bamboo, so take precautions for restraint. Though it is reluctant to spread into very dry soils, it is resistant to some drought.

Pleioblastus variegatus Pleioblastus variegatus
(Dwarf white-stripe)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Dwarf white-stripe has 5-inch-long, upward-pointing green leaves strongly variegated with white. It grows up to 3 feet tall in either sun or shade, forming a striking contrast to less flamboyant neighbors.

no image available Pennisetum spathiolatum
(Slender veldt grass)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Native to South Africa, this non-invasive evergreen species produces showy pink flowers in spring, which are held 2 to 3 feet above the foliage on stiff, wiry stalks.

Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila” Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila”
(Pampas grass)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This dwarf cultivar has mid-green leaves and densely tufted plumes atop tall, upright stalks and arching mid-green leaves. Masses of silvery yellow plumes appear in late summer.