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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Golden Bamboo does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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. Expect a high maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Golden Bamboo with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
