Black Bamboo Hedge Plant Description
Phyllostachys nigra is evergreen, grows remarkably fast and has striking, black-coloured canes (creamy-green in the first year) which contrast well with the verdant green foliage. Black bamboo is a popular choice for a tall hedge due to its speed of growth and exotic, oriental look. It has become a sought after plant in modern garden design in recent years for this eye-catching and unique aesthetic and is ideal for use in creating a calming, tranquil space due to its arching growth, subtle movement and fluttery leaves.
This variety of Black bamboo is classed as a 'running' bamboo and has an attractive arching habit. Being classed as a 'running' variety, which means its roots can spread out fairly quickly depending on ground conditions, Phyllostachys nigra can be considered somewhat invasive, so its best planted best in areas where there is room to spread. That being said, root spread can be easily restricted by keeping it planted in a pot twice the size of the root (even underground). Black bamboo can also be grown in slightly dry soil which is not its preference to stem its growth, however, in this case the roots may travel to find moisture.
In its preferred soil conditions and warm climate Phyllostachys nigra can grow up to 6m tall. To achieve their full height, they prefer a moist soil, so we recommend planting them slightly below ground level (just an inch or two) so that there's a 'dish' around the canes to hold some rainwater.
Black Bamboo can take a year or two to fully settle and they need to be watered well until they are established. Feed alternate years in late spring after the first shoots have reached full height. They prefer sun or semi-shade and will grow by 60/90cm each year.
As an alternative, tall-growing, clumping variety to Phyllostachys nigra we recommend Umbrella Bamboo, which has an attractive, flowing habit with denser foliage, ideal for screening.
For other alternatives to Black Bamboo, see the 'also recommended' list below of different Bamboo varieties and alternative fast-growing species. However, if you still need help to decide which hedge is the right one for you, we'd recommend that you visit our
Choosing the Right Species page which has suggestions and alternatives for every situation.
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed next to the products below. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our planting density advice section. Prices shown are the price per plant unless otherwise stated.
As Black Bamboo is such a fast growing species pruning will need to be done regularly to keep the desired effect. Any unwanted or damaged canes should be cut down to ground level in springtime and any new black bamboo shoots should also be pruned to the established height of the plants.
General hedge trimming should be done twice a year, once in early June and again in late September. It is important to prune at the right time, so as not to remove healthy growing shoots.
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| All Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £14.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60incl VAT) | Orders of £60 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 2-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs, trees and premium products may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the delivery window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
