Black Bamboo is surely the most dramatic of all. It is less vigorous than the golden equivalent but that didn’t stop me reducing mine to 5cm off ground level in March 2009 to stimulate a fresh display.

This stylish Bamboo has a gracefully arching habit and does best in a sunny position.

The canes begin as green before becoming mottled with brown and then black.

The shoots which it produces in spring are edible.

Mature height: 3-5m