Overview
Phyllostachys aurea is a suckering bamboos in the genus Phyllostachys, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Phyllostachys aurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural and hedging and screens. It is native to China Southeast and Vietnam.
About
Phyllostachys aurea, commonly known as fish-pole bamboo, golden bamboo, or yellow bamboo, is a cultivar of the Asian bamboo genus Phyllostachys in the grass family Poaceae. This evergreen, suckering bamboo grows to a height of 4 to 8 metres with a spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full height within 5 to 10 years. It thrives in moist but well-drained loam soils with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. Best grown in full sun or partial shade on sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects, it is particularly notable in spring and winter.
About the genus
Phyllostachys is a genus of Asian bamboo in the grass family. Many of the species are found in central and southern China, with a few species in northern Indochina and in the Himalayas. Some of the species have become naturalized in parts of Asia, South America, Australia, and southern Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phyllostachys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phyllostachys
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phyllostachys
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phyllostachys aurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bamboos
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- China Southeast, Vietnam
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phyllostachys aurea
- Cultivation
- Requires regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; can be invasive if not contained
- Pruning
- Cut back old or weak canes after flowering to encourage new growth; prune in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phyllostachys aurea?
Requires regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; can be invasive if not contained.
Where is the best place to plant Phyllostachys aurea?
Phyllostachys aurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phyllostachys aurea need?
Phyllostachys aurea grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Phyllostachys aurea?
Cut back old or weak canes after flowering to encourage new growth; prune in late winter or early spring.
How big does Phyllostachys aurea grow?
Phyllostachys aurea reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Phyllostachys aurea hardy in the UK?
Phyllostachys aurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Phyllostachys aurea?
Division in spring.