Black bamboo

Phyllostachys nigra

Running bamboo reaching 6–10 m with canes that mature from green to glossy black, used for ornamental woodwork, furniture, fishing rods, and shakuhachi flutes.

Hardiness ratings

Black bamboo hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 7–10 −17.8 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H5 −15 °C to −10 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 7–9 −12 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–6 −10 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Mature canes used for fine craft and joinery — flutes, brush handles, and quality fishing rods
  • WARNING: Running rhizome — install rhizome barriers 60 cm deep or grow in containers, will otherwise spread into neighbouring planting and lawns
  • Canes start green and gradually darken to glossy black over 1–3 years — the colour change is the principal ornamental feature
  • Smaller and better behaved than P. edulis but still a runner

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Black bamboo against your zones

Reference

Black bamboo on Wikipedia