Overview

Phyllostachys nigra is a suckering bamboos in the genus Phyllostachys, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Phyllostachys nigra grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural and hedging and screens. It is native to China South-Central and China Southeast.

About

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo or purple bamboo (Chinese: 紫竹), is a species of bamboo, native to Hunan Province of China, and is widely cultivated elsewhere. Growing up to 10 meters (35 ft) tall by 5cm (2 in) wide, 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. Numerous forms and cultivars are available for garden use. Mature plants reach roughly 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyllostachys nigra

About the genus

Phyllostachys is a genus of Asian bamboo in the grass family. Many of the species are found in central and southern China, with a few species in northern Indochina and in the Himalayas. Some of the species have become naturalized in parts of Asia, South America, Australia, and southern Europe.

Wikipedia contributors, "Phyllostachys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyllostachys

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Phyllostachys

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Phyllostachys nigra size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Bamboos

Habit

Suckering

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

2.5-4 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, Hedging and screens

Native to

China South-Central, China Southeast

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Phyllostachys nigra

Cultivation

Prefers full sun to partial shade, moist but well-drained loam soil, tolerates a range of soil pH, requires shelter from strong winds

Pruning

Remove old or weak canes after flowering to maintain appearance and encourage new growth

Propagation

Division in spring

Pest resistance

Slugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions