With its striking dark canes, Black Bamboo (*Phyllostachys nigra*) is a total showstopper in any landscape. But here’s the thing: this particular species is a “runner,” meaning it spreads via underground rhizomes. To keep it from taking over your entire yard, I highly recommend installing a root barrier (rhizome barrier) the moment you plant it. If you’d rather skip the extra hardware, there are “clumping” bamboo varieties out there that grow in neat mounds and won’t make a break for your neighbor’s lawn.
Which Variety Is Right for Your Garden?
There’s a huge world of bamboo out there, and each type has its own personality when it comes to soil and care.
If you’ve got your heart set on that dark look, Black Bamboo loves a spot in full sun to partial shade. On the other hand, Black Fountain Bamboo (*Fargesia nitida*) offers a similar vibe but actually prefers partial to full shade.
If you’re looking for something that really reaches for the sky, Black Bamboo is your best bet. It’s a vigorous grower that can hit heights of up to 30 feet! Plus, it’s pretty tough, staying winter hardy down to about -4 °F. Just remember: don’t skip that root barrier! Once this bamboo gets loose, it’s a real pain to remove.
One cool fact? Unlike some *Fargesia* varieties, Black Bamboo doesn’t die off after flowering (which, luckily, only happens about every 40 years). But don’t sweat the *Fargesia* too much—those guys only bloom once every 80 years or so!
Growing Bamboo in Pots: A Great Alternative
If you want the look without the worry of runaway roots, Black Bamboo does great in large containers. It’s a simple way to keep those rhizomes contained.
Here’s how to get your pot ready for planting:
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes (about 4mm wide) to prevent soggy roots.
- Place some broken terracotta shards over the holes so they don’t get clogged with dirt.
- Add about 2 inches of gravel at the bottom for a solid drainage layer.
- Fill the pot about two-thirds full with a high-quality, humus-rich potting mix.
- Give the root ball a good soak in water before you put it in the ground.
- Center the plant in the pot.
- Make sure the top of the root ball sits about 2-3 inches below the rim of the pot.
- Fill in the rest with specialized bamboo soil and give it a final, thorough watering.
