Hedges Direct 
Black Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra
In stock
1. Select Your Root Type
Bare Roots
Soil-free and seasonal (Nov–Mar), great value for bulk planting in winter.
Root Balls
Larger plants with soil-wrapped roots—ideal for strong, mature growth in cold months.
Pot Grown
Available year-round with established roots, for flexible, reliable planting.
Instant Hedging
Ready-grown hedges for quick privacy and instant garden impact.
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Pot Grown
From £64.99
2. Select Your Height
Quick
List
Key Features
EVERGREEN
FAST GROWING
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.
Vital Plant Information
Reviews
Plant Guarantee
Hedges Direct always supplies quality plants, however we know that sometimes plants have a mind of their own. With the Hedges Direct Green Guarantee, we've got you covered. Our 12-month guarantee is our 100% promise to you, that you can buy with complete confidence, that if any plants fail within 12 months, we will replace them when the guarantee conditions are met.
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Step 1
Root Grow & Fertiliser
Ensure you buy root grow and fertiliser with your plants at the time of purchase
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Step 2
Prepare Your Planting Area
Make sure your planting area is in good condition and suitable for planting
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Step 3
Plant & Feed
Plant with root grow & the second feed. Support plants if necessary. Water regularly
Pruning Advice
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.
