If you are looking for a natural noise reduction and privacy fencing, then yellow groove bamboo is the perfect one for you. The relaxing sound of rustling bamboo leaves will make your day stress free.
Quick Facts:
- Common name: Yellow Groove
- Botanical name: Phyllostachys Aureosulcata
- Type: Running
- Average height: 30 feet
- Average diameter: 2 inches
- Hardiness: −10 °F (-23 °C)
- USDA zones: 5 to 10
- UK Hardiness Zones: H7-H2
- Light requirements: Sun to Shade
- Best use: Ornamental, privacy screening, fence, culinary
Note: The height of this plant really varies by the sun and heat that it gets. Plants in warmer areas will grow taller than plants in colder areas. With this being said, even in cold areas, Yellow Groove has been known for growing over 15 feet.
What are the characteristics of yellow groove bamboos?
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata is one of the cold-hardiest running bamboos with a unique yellow stripe in the culm groove. It is usually raised as a garden ornament. It is indigenous to warmer parts of Asia, especially in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in East China.
Soil
This bamboo thrives in rich and moist soil with excellent drainage. Adult yellow grooves can withstand some dryness. Always remember that the more you water it, the quicker it will grow. Combine loads of fertilizer when you sow it. Feed it with high nitrogen fertilizers during its developing season if you want it to grow denser as soon as possible.
Roots
The roots of some culms have big kinks which restrict their value for timber. This disadvantage makes them more beautiful. This bamboo species is immune to honey fungus.
Rhizomes
This bamboo favors the full sun but it can develop and spread under forest shades. It is usually seen in provincial groves, around some old houses, and along the roads. It spreads quickly in moist soils. The rhizomes can be washed downstream that may start further infestations. They are also a reliable companion species that grows in woodland because they are mostly superficial and don’t struggle with deep-rooted trees.
Leaves
Its olive green leaves can grow as long as 7 inches. It has fine oval-shaped pointed leaves. You will notice the hairy part at their base. The leaves are expected to grow all year round.
Canes
The cane sheaths are light green with soft streaks. The auricles and oral setae are visible on the middle cane. The bamboo culms are dark green with yellow sulcus. This bamboo tends to develop in a zigzag arrangement on the lower parts of the culms and proceeds to grow upward again. You will notice a rough or sandpaper touch on its culms.
Flowers
It rarely flowers and provides seeds that germinate but it generates and develops very fast through its underground rhizomes. It only flowers at periods of several years. When they flower, most of its strengths are focused into bearing seed and eventually, it will seriously weaken. The bamboo seldom dies after flowering. If abandoned, they will just normally recover but they may seem unwell for a few years.
What are the benefits of planting yellow groove bamboos?
The yellow groove bamboo is one of the best when it comes to privacy fencing. It can get thicker and bigger in Zone 6 and higher. It can get less aggressive in colder temperatures. The bamboo culms are pretty straight which makes it suitable for establishing throughout walkways and streets.
The shoots are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked but they have a bitter aftertaste when eaten raw. Harvest the shoots in the spring when they reach 3 inches above the ground. Cut them around 2 inches below the soil level.
