Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis] is a tall and thick running bamboo, best for tall hedges and screens. 

The golden stems have spectacular bright green stripes running vertically along the internode. This stunning bamboo is an all-rounder, you can grow it as a standalone plant,  garden centrepiece or tall screen. 

Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis is an RHS Merit Award-winning bamboo, that grows well in a mild temperate climate.

Buy bamboo plants and root barriers from UK suppliers here.

 

Common Features

• Identification: Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo.
• Site: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained loam soil, moist.
• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
• Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
• Height: a tall bamboo 10 - 12m.
• Spread: running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in a temperate climate), 4 – 6m
• Foliage: Evergreen tall foliage
• Cane colour: spectacular green stripes, yellow, bright to matured dark orangey yellow.

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo Tall Screen

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is an ideal bamboo plant for a tall hedge or natural privacy screen. The tall dense growth and golden yellow bamboo cluster are prominent outdoors.

This large tall bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis) is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Merit Awards, one of the award-winning Phyllostachys bamboo plants.

The others include

• 1. Phyllostachys aurea,
• 2. Phyllostachys Aureaculata bissettii, and
• 3. Phyllostachys nigra.

Propagate Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]

Although the Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growth will require care and attention. 

Slugs can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or cane cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.

Care

The Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo can spread to an average of 6 metres (or more) during a humid Spring or hot Summer. 

This running bamboo needs space to grow. Always grow this bamboo in barriers to stop spreading.

The new rhizomes and canes can reach their full spread and height, respectively, during a warm Spring or hot Summer.

Although Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis varieties are undemanding, a fully grown bamboo will require attention because it's invasive.

The plants thrive in the cooler temperate climate where there is well-drained loamy soil high in moisture and nutrient contents. Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not grow well in compacted soil.

Maintain tall bamboo plants

This tall bamboo with dense evergreen foliage is susceptible to heavy snowfall and strong wind. To protect from falling, use strong ropes to tie them back.

You can contain the Golden Chinese Timer Bamboo in large pots and containers. 

This impressive bamboo may not grow to its full height in contained spaces, but planted in nutrient-rich soil with good moisture, it will surely exhibit its best features.

Here is a video to show you how to provide support for tall bamboo.