Bambusa vulgaris aureo-variegata (v)

RHS Plant Profile
golden bamboo
Bamboos

Giant evergreen clump-forming bamboo cultivated in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Reaches upwards of 20m in height in its native habitat, producing vast thickets of upright then arching, rich golden-yellow canes thinly-striped green, averaging 4-10cm diameter, with mid-green leaves to 25cm long

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
A large, vigorous and hardy genus of clump-forming bamboos, native to many parts of the world including Asia, China, the Himalayas, and Northern Australia, some of them reaching heights of around 11 meters. Foliage is mainly green, but the stems can vary in colour from yellow to green to red
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade in a sheltered position. Not suited to average size garden use. Often planted as an industrial or commercial crop, to stabilise soil erosion or border lands, but has the potential to become a nuisance and can be difficult to control. See bamboo control and bamboo cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Divide clumps in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required. Stems can be thinned where required

Pests

May be susceptible to damage from slugs on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)