Black Bamboo Varieties

Known for their striking jet-black culms that develop as the plant matures, black bamboo varieties are among the most distinctive and sought-after ornamental bamboos available. Don’t be surprised if the new shoots appear green—this is completely normal. Over time, they gradually deepen to that rich black hue that landscapers and designers love.

Most black bamboo types are running varieties rather than clumping, which is an important consideration when planning your garden or landscape. Their spreading nature means containment strategies or careful site selection may be required.

Black bamboo is widely used across Australia in both residential and commercial landscaping. It serves beautifully as a screening plant, an ornamental feature, and even in furniture-making and decorative bamboo fencing.

Common black bamboo varieties include:

• Timor Black Bamboo (Bambusa lako)
• Javanese Black Bamboo / Java Black / Atro Bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)
• Black Asper Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper var. Hitam / ‘Pring Betung Hitam’)
• Black Brandisii Bamboo (Dendrocalamus brandisii var. black)
• …and others.

Always consult local suppliers to confirm exact descriptions, growth habits, and climate suitability before planting.

BLACK BAMBOO SPECIES

We provide insights into some of the most well-known black bamboo species suited for growing in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Queensland, Sydney, New South Wales, Melbourne, Victoria, Adelaide, South Australia, Darwin, and the Northern Territory

• Timor Black Bamboo (Bambusa lako)
  A medium-sized clumping bamboo reaching 12–16m. Its upright culms are glossy black with occasional green striping. Popular in Queensland and northern NSW. Needs protection in cooler climates further south.
• Javanese Black Bamboo, Java Black or Atro Bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)
  Grows to 12–16m and can tolerate slightly cooler regions than Timor Black, though it can look untidy after frosty winters.
• Black Asper Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper var. Hitam or ‘Pring Betung Hitam’ ) 
  Native to Java and widely cultivated for both its timber and edible shoots. A large, fast-growing variety best suited to warmer areas.
• Black Brandisii Bamboo (Dendrocalamus brandisii var. black) 
  Can reach over 20m in ideal conditions, more commonly 10–15m. Known for its cold tolerance and impressive 20cm-thick culms.
• New Guinea Black Bamboo (Bambusa ‘New Guinea Black’)
  Very similar in form and habit to Java Black, with equally attractive coloration.
• Giant Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) 
  A vigorous running bamboo from Taiwan and China, also called ‘Kuretake.’ Used for ornamental purposes and in traditional brush making. Requires containment due to its spreading nature.
• Guadua angustifolia (Guadua ‘peruana’) 
  A tall running bamboo used extensively in Central and South America for construction and furniture. Its culms shift from green to black and back to green with age. Can grow beyond 20m.
• Dinochloa scandens (Bambusa scandens Blume) 
  A rare, tropical climbing bamboo. Still relatively unknown, but potentially appealing for those seeking a smaller black bamboo suited to tropical climates.

When selecting from the many black bamboo varieties, it’s crucial to match the plant to your climate and landscape needs. Always speak with knowledgeable local suppliers before planting.

Black Bamboo Suppliers

BAMBOO CREATIONS NURSERY - Office: 1300 654 454 Mob: 0411 465 652
50 Meadowbrook Way Riddells Creek
Specialising in non-invasive & running bamboo
With over 50 varieties of bamboo planted on our property your sure to pick the right bamboo to suit your needs
www.bamboo-plants.com.au

BAMBOO SOUTH COAST - phone: 0431673122
1360 Bolong Road Coolangatta NSW 2535
A range of Balinese style water features for Sydney the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. Clumping bamboo privacy screens.
www.bamboosouthcoast.com.au

 

BAMBOO LAND 
Australia's finest bamboo display gardens. Non-invasive clumping varieties at competitive prices for screens, windbreaks, garden ornamentals, timber and shoots. Small suburban garden right up to the commercial growers. Can ship to anywhere in Australia. Hervey Bay, QLD. OPEN 7 DAYS
www.bambooland.com.au

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Black Bamboo Comapison Chart