It’s me. Hi, I’m the pro bamboo author. It’s me, hi. Yes, that’s right, if you love bamboo, then picking your favorite species can be a lot like naming your favorite Taylor Swift song. That is assuming you’re a Swiftie, of course. And if not, well, we know what the haters are gonna do. But seriously, between Graceful Bamboo, Elegant Bamboo, Beautiful Bamboo, and Chocolate Bamboo, how is a fan supposed to choose? You might also consider Spectacular Bamboo.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata is a popular and exceedingly attractive choice of medium-sized ornamental bamboo with running rhizomes and a high tolerance for cold weather. Culms of this species typically have a light green color and grow 30-40 feet tall with a 2-3 inch diameter, with yellow strips that have earned the nickname ‘Yellow Groove Bamboo’. The subspecies ‘Spectabilis’, or Spectacular Bamboo, has golden culms with stunning green stripes that appear in the sulcus groove.
This article is part of an extensive series about the many species of bamboo. Take a look at some of these other articles to learn more.
Yellow Groove Bamboo
Sometimes referred to as Yellow Groove Bamboo, Phyllostachys aureosulcata, is highly prized for its attractive color and generous foliage. Vibrant, light-green culms and rich green leaves provide a classical appearance that pleases the eye. The plant has an impressive yet manageable size, up to 30 or 40 feet in height, and running rhizomes that are not terribly aggressive. The stripes in the sulcus grooves on alternating sides of the poles add extra beauty, and occasional zig-zags provide another interesting feature.
As with all members of the genus, Phyllostachys aureosulcata is also quite cold-tolerant. This variety is hardy down to a few degrees below zero (Fahrenheit), and like most bamboo, it is evergreen, keeping its lush leaves throughout the winter.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’
Like many bamboo species, P. aureosulcata has a number of subspecies or cultivars. The most popular is probably ‘Spectabilis’, which has gorgeous buttery yellow culms with vibrant green stripes on most of the sulcus grooves. This subspecies does not grow as tall or thick as the original, usually reaching just 20-25 feet tall and 1.5 inches thick. But the golden culms with vibrant green stripes are visually stunning. The colorful culms are complemented by thick, deep green foliage, which add beauty to any garden. Leaves and branches usually don’t begin until about a third of the way up, making the culms easier to see and appreciate.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Alata’, also called Ph. aureosulcata ‘Pekinensis’, is another cultivar of Yellow Groove Bamboo, with a very straight, upright posture. It is comparable in size to the ‘Spectabilis’ variety.
The more bamboo collections and Japanese gardens I visit, the more I keep running into Phyllostachys aureosulcata, and the more I love it. I try not to play favorites when I talk about bamboo species, but there, look what you just made me do!
Further reading
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FEATURE IMAGE: Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’ with its distinctly colored and sometimes oddly shaped culms. Photo by Fred Hornaday.
