The peculiar zig-zag patterns of Spectabilis present an entertaining surprise and captivating first impression. The stems add more attraction with its contrasting red highlights when planted in full sun.
Quick Facts
- Common name: Spectabilis, Yellow Bamboo, Zig-Zag Bamboo
- Botanical name: Phyllostachys Aureosulcata
- Type: Running
- Average height: 25 to 30 feet
- Average diameter: 2 inches
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23 °C)
- USDA zones: 5-10
- UK Hardiness Zones: H7-H2
- Light requirements: Full sun or light shade
- Best use: Privacy fencing, ornamental plant, culinary
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata Spectabilis is from Poaceae family and native to Zhejiang, China. It is a hardy bamboo perfect for busy gardeners. Simply make sure your bamboos are well watered in the summertime and don’t let them dry out if it is grown in a container.
What are the characteristics of yellow bamboos?
This is a rare species of bamboo. Mostly collector’s item. Yellow bamboos are attractive, evergreen bamboos with running rhizomes. It has long and slim yellow stems which create peculiar zig-zag designs as they develop. The zig-zag patterns sometimes appear at its base.
The common form of this species has green culms with a yellow touch. Culm-sheath colors seem purple-green with yellow stripes. Plus the elegantly red feature when raised in the sun. The yellow parts of fresh culms that receive direct light in spring develops a red shade or magenta glow that persists for a couple of months. The leaves may become beige and will fall off when the temperature drops below 25 °F.
This is the hardiest bamboo species with yellow and green striped design. Its leaves are pretty small with the slight color and a matte underside. It can give a two-tone impression when the winds are swinging.
Yellow bamboo thrives in subtropical to warm climates. It can tolerate low winter temperatures. All the growth above the ground will die below 0°F. No worries. It will grow back in spring.
What are the benefits of planting yellow bamboos?
It develops good-looking and long-lasting clumps. Their height is perfect for screening or garden divisions. Its thick upright growth makes it a stable fence or privacy screen. Grow them in containers to blend fabulous effect in big porch containers.
This is also one of the best for culinary shoot production. It doesn’t have a bitter taste even when raw. It is best to use a few days old fresh shoots.
There are also amazing health benefits of this bamboo. The leaves can relieve cough, and cut down acid levels in the body. The antioxidant properties of the shoots can fight free radicals that may lead to cancer and heart diseases.
What is the growth rate of yellow bamboos?
Yellow bamboo is perfect for those who need more than 10 feet of privacy fences. If you are growing it in Zone 4, the mature height can only go as high as 8 feet. Some leaves above the ground may also die because of the frost.
Expect a height of 12 to 14 feet in Zone 5. Mature bamboos of 16 feet high in Zone 6. And over 20 feet in Zones 7+. It can even tolerate intense heat in Zones 8 and 9.
