check that this vigorous grower isn’t invasive in your area before you plant.
Erica George
Golden bamboo is a perennial with finely textured green leaves and attractive golden-yellow stems.
It is one of the quickest ways to make a dense hedge or screen without planting fully grown shrubs.
Credit:Erica George
It also provides bold vertical interest in landscape beds or the contained space between two driveways.
The roots will, most likely, send up new canes in the spring.
Its lush, delicate leaves are great for muffling nearby sounds.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Golden bamboo is considered an invasive plant in many areas of North America, particularly those with warmer climates.
Spreading by tenacious underground stems, it quickly grows beyond the original growing location.
Before purchasing or planting, check with your localExtension serviceabout the invasive status of golden bamboo in your area.
Credit:Carson Downing
Place the plant in the hole, then backfill it with soil mixed with mulch.
Subsequent waterings should keep the soil moist but not soggy.
This will help prevent golden bamboo from creeping into the surrounding soil.
Credit: Bob Stefko
It will do fine located in partial shade, but its growth will be slower.
Keep it watered, but don’t let the soil get waterlogged.
Fertilizer
Fertilize golden bamboo in early spring and midsummer.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
In milder climates, it can also be fertilized in early fall.
Pruning
Cut away golden bamboo’s dead or weak stems periodically after it’s established.
If it’s getting bulky, you might thin it out as needed.
The pot should be wood or unglazed terra-cotta with drainage holes at the bottom.
After planting, cover the soil surface with two inches of mulch to help it retain moisture.
Pests and Problems
The main problems golden bamboo can have are root rot and sooty mold.
Sooty mold is caused bypests like mealybugsand aphids.
It should have at least three nodes.
After dipping it in rooting hormone, plant the section in quality soil up to the first node.
Mist the soil daily and fill the center of the cane with water, periodically refilling it.
It’s a great candidate for container planting and often grows a little slower than other varieties.
It typically grows from 6 to 30 feet tall and is hardy in zones 6 through 10.
It typically grows to only 15 feet tall and is happy in zones 5 through 9.
They are hardy in zones 3 through 10.
Euphorbia
Euphorbiais a large plant genus that includes annual and perennial species.
‘Northwind’switchgrass(Panicum virgatum) has thin blades and a bold upright habit.
It grows 4 to 5 feet tall.
It grows 3 to 5 feet tall.
Golden bamboo is also known as fish-pole bamboo, fairyland bamboo, and running bamboo.
Its botanical name isPhyllostachys aurea.
Golden bamboo is fairly frost tolerant and can generally survive the winter without special treatment.
New plantings will be the most vulnerable.
Just remember that your bamboo will still need ample sunlight.
National Invasive Species Information Center.
