Type: Running

Height: Zone 6: 15' |  Zones 7-9: 25-35'

Spread:  5'+ with no control

Culm Diameter: 2"

Sun: Full Sun or Part Shade

Soil: Average

Growth Rate: Fast

Black Bamboo is easy to grow when planted in the right environment. It will tolerate some shade but the culms are not as erect in shaded sides as some other species and tend to weep or arch over. Therefore, the more sun the better. We suggest 6 hours direct sunlight a day for best performance. Black Bamboo appreciate a moist but well-drained loose soil of average fertility. When established, most bamboo will tolerate periods of dry weather, however, will appreciate an occasional deep soaking if the leaves begin to curl from drought distress. If your planting site is especially dry or will be exposed regularly to dry wind consider planting in a more protected area or maybe consider the Spotted Leopard Bamboo.

Black Bamboo is a running bamboo, which means it spreads. Bamboo can be controlled in a small area (a normal city yard) simply by mowing or stepping on the young shoots. New shoots of some bamboo can also be used for culinary purposes and cooked, much like asparagus. Keep in mind that running bamboo only puts up new shoots for a short time each year and, when they are "shooting," the new plants are very fragile and easy to destroy. Root pruning or installing Bamboo Root Barrier are other methods to control spread.

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Bamboo plants.