Bambusa vulgaris Vittata (Painted Bamboo)

One of the most cultivated ornamental bamboos, Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ (Painted Bamboo) is a large evergreen bamboo with arching golden-yellow canes, up to 3 in. wide (7 cm), randomly marked with narrow and broad green stripes.

One of the most cultivated ornamental bamboos, Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' (Painted Bamboo) is a large evergreen bamboo with arching golden-yellow canes, up to 3 in. wide (7 cm), randomly marked with narrow and broad green stripes. The canes hold up several to many clustered branches, often striped, and adorned with narrow lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Widely planted as an ornamental bamboo, this non-invasive bamboo makes a wonderful hedge or privacy screen. Good for erosion control. Hardiness: 27ºF (-3ºC).

  • Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist soils .
  • Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, cottony scales and bamboo borer.
  • Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
  • Propagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
  • Bambusa vulgaris species is native to Asia. It can form dense thickets that displace native species. Once this plant is established, it is difficult to remove. 
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 12

Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Bamboos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 40'
– 60'
(12m
– 18m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens