Black Bamboo Darkly handsome, and common in temple gardens in Japan, Phyllostachys nigra was one of the first bamboos to be brought to the West in the early 19th century, and its exotic black canes took the gardening world by storm- it is undoubtedly the species that made bamboo as an ornamental plant as popular as it is these days. It is quite large and grows fast in a clumping fashion. It has distinctive arching canes that are pale-green the first year, spotted black and brown in the second and turning a deep jet-black in the third given the right conditions. A flurry of small, fresh-green leaves forms an airy canopy.This plant will look stunning on its own in a zen-themed garden, or plant it with other coloured bamboo species for effect. Great for hedging, screening or in a large container also. Site: Does not like cold winds or coastal exposureSoil: All fertile soils, avoid waterloggedPosition: Full sun to part shadeSeason of Interest: Evergreen, black canesHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 18ft (5m) Spread: 6ft (2m)