Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Showy Yellow Grove Bamboo)

Extremely cold-hardy, Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Showy Yellow Grove Bamboo) is an evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, yellow canes adorned with a contrasting green panel in the sulcus. Rich bright yellow at first, the culms, 2 in. wide (5 cm), ripen to deep golden yellow. Strong sunlight will turn the young culms red temporarily, a lovely effect that disappears after the first season.

Extremely cold-hardy, Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Showy Yellow Grove Bamboo) is an evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, yellow canes adorned with a contrasting green panel in the sulcus. Rich bright yellow at first, the culms, 2 in. wide (5 cm), ripen to deep golden yellow. Strong sunlight will turn the young culms red temporarily, a lovely effect that disappears after the first season. This bamboo is also known for its zigzag pattern on the lower culms. The long, glossy green leaves, up to 7 in. (18 cm), sometimes display a thin creamy-yellow stripe. Vigorous, this running bamboo has a fairly upright habit, unless grown in shade, where it becomes very lax. Perfect for cold or exposed gardens, it makes an excellent hedge or screen and can be grown in containers. Hardy to -4ºF (-20ºC).

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (4-8 m) and 8-15 ft. wide (2-5 m).
  • A full sun or partial shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Best planted in an open position. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but can become invasive in warm, moist or optimum conditions.
  • Great choice as an accent plant, for hedges and screens, and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer are generally not problematic.
  • Remove weak, dead, damaged, or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to the best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
  • Propagate by division in spring.
  • Native to temperate Asia. Phyllostachys aureosulcata 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 5
– 11

Heat Zones 3
– 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 15'
– 25'
(4.5m
– 7.5m)
Spread 8'
– 15'
(240cm
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers