Phyllostachys Aurea

Phyllostachys Aurea (running bamboo)

This bamboo variety, also called Bambusa Aurea, is very strong and winter hardy, can grow as high as 5 metres, and needs hardly any maintenance. It does grow rampantly, however, so watch out for the shoots. You will need to keep them under control otherwise your garden, patio, or pond could be taken over by the roots that grow through them, over them, or under them. Your neighbours will also appreciate you keeping the Phyllostachys in check. Point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Aurea hedge?’ explains how to do so.

Where does Bambusa Aurea originate from?

The Phyllostachys Aurea originally comes from the area between the Himalayas and Japan.

Why choose a golden bamboo plant or hedge?

• Phyllostachys Aurea adds ambiance with a touch of the Orient to your garden.
• The plant is especially beautiful because of its gold-coloured stems.
• The bamboo has a calming effect when you look at it.
• It is an extremely quick grower and will soon create an effective privacy screen.
• The plant requires minimum maintenance.
• Pruning is not really necessary but isn’t really difficult to do if you want to.
• Most bamboo plants are winter hardy. However, the leaves can turn brown when the weather is frosty. If you want to prevent this, wrap the bamboo in a cloth.
• The plant is very strong.

When is the best time to plant a Phyllostachys Aurea?

The best time to plant bamboo in the ground is when it no longer freezes – from around the end of February or beginning of March until late autumn. If you wait until late autumn to plant the bamboo, protect the roots of the plant with straw or leaves. In harsh winters, you should do this anyway with young plants.

How should I plant a Phyllostachys Aurea hedge?

1. Remove weeds from the soil in which you will be planting the bamboo.
2. Dig a wide, deep trench. Tip: stretch a piece of string between two sticks before digging to ensure that the hedge will be straight.
3. Loosen the soil in the trench with a shovel.
4. Mix the loose soil in the trench with garden compost.
5. Place the Bambusa Aurea in the pots next to the trench exactly where you want them. Once you are satisfied with the spacing, remove the pots and submerge the root balls of the bamboo plants in water and then place them in the trench.
6. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
7. Fill the trench with soil and pack it down firmly.
8. Water the bamboo abundantly for the initial period and repeat regularly, especially if there is not much rainfall. This will ensure that the roots take hold in the soil. It is important that the roots do not dry out.
9. PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to install a root barrier as soon as you plant this golden bamboo. Do this by digging a trench and placing the root barrier vertically in the ground. It should extend 5 cm above ground and 55 cm below ground level. This will help you keep the Phyllostachys Aurea in check.

Tips

Once the golden bamboo has rooted, it is better to give your bamboo a good amount of water in one go than watering it a little every day.
The bamboo does well in any type of soil. Do bear in mind, though, that the plant is sensitive to wind so you cannot place it just anywhere. The best place is a spot where it is protected from north and east winds.
The golden bamboo likes to be planted in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It does not like soil that is too dry but it should not be too wet either.

Positioning

• Place the Phyllostachys Aurea in full sun or partial shade.
• Set out one plant per linear metre or three plants per two linear metres. If you want privacy sooner rather than later, then plant two bamboo plants per linear metre.

Advice & Care

• It is best to prune the bamboo plant in August or September.
• The Bambusa Aurea thrives best in humus-rich soil. If necessary, prepare the soil with garden compost before planting. You can fertilize the bamboo with organic fertilizers.
• Give it plenty of water, certainly when the plants are still young. It is best to submerge the root ball in water before placing it in the ground. In dry periods, it is advisable to water the bamboo regularly.

Common problems with bamboo
Bamboo is strong. It therefore has hardly any trouble with fungal diseases, other diseases, or pests.

Advantages and disadvantages of golden bamboo

Advantages

• You do not have to prune the Phyllostachys Aurea.
• If you do intend to prune it, however, don’t worry as it is not difficult.
• The plant is not fussy about the type of soil it stands in.
• The golden bamboo prefers standing in the sun or in partial shade.
• The plant hardly ever suffers from disease or infestations.
• The bamboo is strong and will last a long time.

Disadvantages

• It cannot tolerate north or east winds.
• It does not like standing in soil that is dry or too wet.
• The Phyllostachys Aurea grows rampantly and this is not something we can avoid. You should therefore install a root barrier (see point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Aurea hedge?’ on how to do so).

Conclusion

The Phyllostachys Aurea, golden bamboo, or Bambusa Aurea is a real asset for your garden. The plant is beautiful, strong, and winter hardy, has a calming effect, and requires little maintenance. You could say it’s the ideal plant.
If you are completely convinced you want to buy this bamboo, order yours today. If you still have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to ask our customer service department. We can speak to you in your own language.