Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis - Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo

Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis' is an exceptional giant bamboo, widely cultivated in Europe, including in cold climates where it is just as spectacular as further south. With remarkable vigour and strong cold resistance, it captivates with its culms as wide as poles, displaying a very warm ochre yellow colour, sometimes striped with green, which perfectly enhances its dark green, fairly feathery evergreen foliage. This trailing variety allows for the rapid creation of a remarkable bamboo forest or hedge. This wonderful bamboo thrives in moist soil, in the sun, in a sheltered location away from strong winds as its thin-walled culms are brittle.

Originally from Eastern China, in the Henan and Zhejiang provinces, as well as Japan, Phyllostachys vivax is a vigorous bamboo with a highly trailing rhizome and rapid growth, even in cold climates. It belongs to the Poaceae family (or grasses), being a kind of giant grass with woody stems.

The 'Aureocaulis' cultivar has an upright habit and bears beautifully trailing leafy branches. The rhizome produces numerous culms or canes with a diameter of 8 to 10cm and a relatively thin wall, not very resistant to strong winds. They are capable of growing several centimetres per day, reaching heights of 7, 12 or even 15m. Each culm is channelled, dark yellow in colour, with some internodes being vertically striped with fine green lines, creating a beautiful effect. The evergreen foliage is composed of medium-sized, narrow and lanceolate leaves, tapering to a point. Perfectly hardy, this bamboo can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (1°F). However, in case of snowfall, remember to shake the culms to remove the weight, as they could bend and break close to the ground.

As the undisputed star of Asian-inspired gardens, giant bamboo fits well with many styles, from contemporary to exotic, as well as natural or water gardens. When planted in masses, it quickly creates very exotic forests, adding verticality to the landscape. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for screening undesirable views, especially when planted in fertile and moist soil. It can also be planted as a standalone clump. However, its unique style can sometimes be challenging to blend in a mass planting. For example, try combining it with other giants such as Gunnera manicata or Hosta 'Big Daddy' in an exotic setting with very moist soil, or with certain palms in a more well-drained soil. Bamboos blend well with each other, so choose varieties with differently coloured culms. They are always perfect near water features as they seek out the coolness. A grand avenue lined with 'Aureocaulis' giant bamboos on both sides will become simply majestic.

The young shoots of this bamboo are edible and highly prized by gourmets. However, it is necessary to boil them for a long time to remove the bitterness before consuming.