Wonderfully statuesque, Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys Nigra) is a rare and unusual plant to create a fantastic focal point in your garden.

Its arching green canes turn lustrous black in their second or third year, while its abundant glossy leaves remain evergreen. It forms a clump, but unlike other varieties of bamboo, it isn't invasive and can be grown in a half barrel or very large container.

Even though its origins are in China, it's fully hardy and the British winter won't harm it, making a very welcome and unexpected winter treat.