Phyllostachys nigra aka Black Bamboo

Phyllostachys nigra, or black bamboo, belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Other names include kuro-chiku and whangee cane. It comes from Guizhou and southern Hunan in China. Its native range has a temperate climate. This evergreen bamboo keeps its leaves through the year. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In gardens, it reaches about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall. Its spread falls within the same range. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size. The canes arch, giving the plant a softer outline. New canes start green and turn dark brown to black with age. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves reach about 0.4 feet [0.12 metres] long. The dark canes and green leaves provide contrast throughout the year. Its suckering habit means it can spread beyond its first planting spot.

Choose fertile loam with plenty of humus for this bamboo. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Grow it in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered spot protects it from cold winds that dry leaves. South-facing and west-facing sites suit its needs. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This rating covers winter lows of roughly −15 to −10°C. Poor or dry soil may keep growth in a tight clump. Warm, moist conditions can instead encourage invasive spread.

Black bamboo suits screens, hedges, and plantings valued for bold form. It also grows in containers on patios. For pots, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Give a balanced liquid feed each month during the growing season. Thin the canes in spring to reveal their dark stems. Remove dead, weak, damaged, and thin stems at that time. Divide plants in spring to make new ones. The RHS also advises prompt removal of flowering shoots. This aims to discourage further shoots from flowering.

Slugs may attack this bamboo, though the RHS reports few disease problems. Its spread needs thought when choosing a garden site. The supplied species evidence gives no flowering season or fruit details. It also does not establish edible parts or safety for people and pets. Food and medicinal claims for other named forms do not establish uses for this species.