These fast growing, tough and attractive plants are incredibly adaptable. If not planted as a hedge they grow wonderfully well in large pots and are perfect for bringing evergreen greenery to a patio, courtyard garden or roof terrace. Growing 60cm or more per year and growing up to 6m they will swiftly deliver density and are ideal for screening off unsightly walls or buildings or masking oil tanks. Black Bamboo hedging is enjoyed aesthetically with its beautiful contrasting stems and foliage, but also brings pleasure in the rustle of its leaves and the rippling of its stems in the breeze – great for an oriental style sensory garden!

This variety is one of the ‘running’ varieties, meaning it can send suckers underground and may spread beyond its original planting location, this can be remedied by planting it in a large pot underground to restrict its spreading habit.

You can plant your evergreen Bamboo Black hedging plants in almost any location from full sun through to partial shade. It will thrive in most soils that are moist and well drained. They are also a good choice for coastal sites as they are not challenged by salty sea breezes or chilly temperatures, though would need some additional shelter from direct winds in very exposed locations. They tend not to fare so well in poorer, dry soil especially when young and getting established. If you have heavy soil, we advise mixing in some grit and sand in the planting area to improve drainage to give them the best start. Make sure your soil is free of weeds and grass and dug over so it is as loose and crumbly as possible as this means your plants roots can most easily get established. Black Bamboo will require consistent careful watering in the first year of planting, and once established can generally then be left to their own devices during dry spells of weather though may deliver less foliage during these times.

Bamboo Black hedging plants are available in large pot sizes from our nursery all year round.

To give your Bamboo Black hedging plants the best very chance to thrive it is always advisable to prepare the ground as well as possible and follow the planting guidance we e-mail on confirmation of order. A hard copy of this planting guidance leaflet is also sent out with every order. We always recommend the use of the Mycorrhizal Fungi Rootgrow which enhances a plant root system and the use of the slow-release fertiliser Bonemeal to encourage faster establishment and a more drought resilient hedge with a stronger root system. We would also recommend mulching at the base of the plant at least until it is established but ideally every year during dry spells to help maintain moisture.

Trimming a Bamboo Black hedge is straightforward, they can be maintained with an annual trim between April and May when the chance of frosts has passed to encourage new growth.