From Grove to Garden
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how we grow and ship bamboo at Lewis Bamboo — carefully dug, containerized, watered, grown, and packaged so healthy, ready-to-plant bamboo arrives at your door.
Black Bamboo
3 Gallon (4'+ tall) - Single Cane
$89.00
Sale price
$89.00
Regular price
$99.00
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Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys Nigra 'Black'
$89.00
Sale price
$89.00
Regular price
$99.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Healthy-arrival guarantee
If your bamboo arrives damaged or unhealthy, we'll make it right with a replacement or refund — backed by 30+ years of growing experience.
- Visually interesting, canes turn green to black during the growing season.
- The hardiest of all black bamboo species.
- Slower to expand with minimal control efforts needed.
Will it grow in my area?
About & Sizing
Introducing the exquisite and alluring Phyllostachys Nigra 'Black Bamboo,' a captivating plant native to the enchanting realms of Taiwan and China. As the first hardy oriental bamboo introduced to the world in 1827, the legendary 'Black Bamboo' is a true masterpiece of nature, embodying grace and sophistication in every aspect.
However, as with all things rare and beautiful, the Black Bamboo does come with its fair share of quirks. This diva of the plant world demands a sun-drenched stage of at least 6 hours per day and is not recommended for indoors. It is sensitive to the gusts of wind and requires shelter from the elements. The foliage may suffer in temperatures below 10° Fahrenheit, while a complete top kill of canes can occur at -0° to -5°. As a result, we recommend this species for USDA Climate Zones 7 and 8. Fear not, for it can be grown in climate zone 6, albeit with some top damage during harsh winters. The culms may be a tad less upright and arch over in shaded areas, but a little pruning can easily remedy this.
The Black Bamboo's unrivaled charm lies in its striking contrast of dark, ebony culms and vibrant green foliage. In a mesmerizing transformation, new canes emerge green, turning a true ebony black within two years under the sun's gentle touch. The only species to boast this stunning hue, the Black Bamboo's culm sheaths feature wavy blades, prominent oral setae, auricles, and ligules that only add to its allure.
Not just a pretty face, the Black Bamboo's wood is highly valued by craftsmen for its exceptional quality. As a proud owner of this bewitching bamboo, you'll discover its captivating habits and cherish the enchanting display it brings to your garden. Embrace the elegance and intrigue of the Phyllostachys Nigra 'Black Bamboo' and let it bewitch your outdoor sanctuary.
- Species
- Phyllostachys Nigra 'Black'
- Mature height
- 30 ft
- Mature cane Ø
- 2″
- Sunlight
- Sun to Shade
- Cold hardiness
- 5°F minimum
- Type
- Running bamboo
Size & Spacing
The plants we ship are starter divisions from established groves — and the larger the size you choose, the bigger its root system and the faster it fills in.
- For a privacy screen, plant on 5-foot centers or closer. Tighter spacing and a bigger starting size give you a solid wall of green sooner — often in 3–5 years.
- For a grove or specimen, give each plant space to spread and show its form.
- Each spring brings taller, thicker canes until the grove reaches mature size. How bamboo grows → · Planting guide →
Care Guide
- Light. At least 4 hours of filtered sun or more. A few large-leaf dwarf species are happy in partial shade.
- Water. Keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season while roots establish. Once established, bamboo is quite drought-tolerant — just never let it sit in standing water.
- Soil. Not fussy. Neutral pH, well-draining loam with organic matter is ideal, but it grows well in clay too. Roots feed in the top 12″ of soil.
- Growth. New canes shoot each spring (roughly March–May), reaching full height in about 60 days. The grove fills in noticeably after about three full years.
- Feeding. A balanced, time-release fertilizer in spring can speed establishment by a year or more.
- Containing it. Running bamboo spreads by shallow underground rhizomes. Root-prune twice a year, or install Bamboo Shield for a worry-free barrier. How bamboo grows →
Container & Planter Info
Bamboo thrives in large containers with good drainage — perfect for patios, balconies, and defining outdoor spaces.
- Pick a hardier plant. Containers don't insulate roots the way the ground does. For year-round pots, choose a species rated a zone or two colder than your area.
- Go big. A larger container means more root room, more insulation, and faster growth. Make sure it has drainage holes.
- Water more often. Potted plants dry out faster — check soil moisture regularly, especially in summer.
- Refresh every few years. Top-dress, or divide and repot, once the roots fill the container.
How It Arrives
Your plant ships nursery-fresh from our family-run farm — an established, well-rooted division (never a fresh-dug start), carefully packed to travel safely.
- On arrival, unbox right away, give it a good drink, and let it settle in a sheltered spot for a few days before planting. Planting instructions →
- A little leaf drop or yellowing is normal after shipping — bamboo is evergreen and flushes fresh leaves each spring.
- Healthy-arrival guarantee. If your plant shows up in poor shape, we'll make it right. See our guarantee →
FAQs
Will running bamboo spread?
Yes — that's how it forms a screen. It spreads by shallow rhizomes that are easy to direct with twice-yearly root pruning or a Bamboo Shield barrier.
How fast will it grow?
New canes can grow up to 4 feet a day in spring, and the grove fills in noticeably after about three years. How bamboo grows →
When will it green up after planting?
Some leaf drop after shipping is normal. Bamboo is evergreen and pushes fresh leaves in spring as new shoots emerge.
How far apart should I plant for a screen?
Plant on 5-foot centers or closer for a screen in 3–5 years. Closer spacing fills in faster — you can't over-plant bamboo.
Will it grow in my area?
Use the growing-zone tool in the header (or the "Will it grow here?" panel above) to check this plant against your zone.