A tall running bamboo with upright golden-green canes that spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes. A serious environmental weed in Australia and only safe behind a deep rhizome barrier.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 6 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: high maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Golden Bamboo
Botanically, Phyllostachys aurea is an fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and golden foliage.
Where to grow Golden Bamboo
Golden Bamboo suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Golden Bamboo does best in clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Golden Bamboo is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Cut Golden Bamboo back hard in late winter to refresh it before the new season's growth. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is high maintenance.
Using Golden Bamboo in the garden
Golden Bamboo earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Golden Bamboo with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Golden Bamboo
Plant Sale lists Golden Bamboo as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.