Not all bamboo is green! In fact, there are a number of bamboo species that have yellow stems (or culms) in varying shades of yellow, ranging from light yellow to bright golden. You can also find some yellow bamboo streaked with green or tinged with orange or red.
As the bamboo plants age, the colors often change. A bright yellow plant may transition to a golden hue, eventually maturing to a yellow-orange. At any age, these spectacular stems form a magnificent contrast with their foliage which can range from light green to glossy dark green.
Yellow bamboo adds color and style to any garden. Whatever texture or pattern you love—fine or thick, plain, or streaked—you can find one that suits your taste perfectly. Not only have we compiled a list of bamboo with yellow stems for you, but we’ve also taken a closer look at what makes these varieties truly unique.
What’s special about yellow bamboo?
There are bamboos suitable for container gardening, accent plants, hedges, and screens. Yellow bamboo, in particular, is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful color and attractive shape.
In many Asian cultures, bamboo has been linked to fertility and growth. In Indonesia, yellow bamboo is believed to ward off evil spirits. This makes it an appropriate choice for protective borders around the home and garden.
In China and India, yellow bamboo is also touted for its medicinal benefits. Once boiled, the shoots are edible and are often consumed to reduce cholesterol, treat uric acid, and relieve coughing. Bamboo shoots are also high in antioxidants and are a good source of fiber and protein.
Which yellow bamboo plant should I choose?
There are many yellow bamboo plants to choose from. Here is a list of more than twenty yellow bamboo species from seven different genera that you can plant in clumps, use for a hedge, or add to your garden.
Phyllostachys aurea ‘Golden Bamboo’
- Type: Running
- Height: 27-35 ft (8-11 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.5-2 in (4-5 cm)
- USDA zones: 7a-10
- Hardiness: 0 °F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: High
Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo) is one of the strongest-growing bamboos. It’s ideal for hedging or screening purposes. And because it can grow tall (15 – 25 ft), it is very popular in the United States. It has light green canes which become a lovely, intense golden color when grown in full sun.
This species of bamboo has compressed nodes at the base of each culm, which provides an ornamental value and makes it easily identifiable from other species of bamboo. It grows upright and close together, so you can plant it next to driveways and walkways as a visual barrier.
Phyllostachys aurea is a very adaptive, drought-tolerant bamboo and thrives in all types of soil. It grows rapidly and will spread if not contained. You can plant it in an isolated tuft, grove, or hedge. It is not recommended as a container plant because of its height.
As mentioned above, this bamboo spreads very quickly, especially in warmer climates. To prevent it from spreading too far, you can install a rhizome barrier.
Phyllostachys aurea ‘Koi’
- Type: Running
- Height: 20 ft (9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.25 in (3 cm)
- USDA zones: 7-10
- Hardiness: 0°F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Koi Bamboo is very rare with outstanding and colorful canes. They emerge green, then turn to yellow with green stripes as they age. The patterned striping on the sides alternates up and down the culms. The yellow parts of the culm are sometimes tinted with a rose highlight in the bright sun.
The culm nodes are compacted giving this species an amazing look on larger culms. Koi Bamboo is dense and forms excellent, tight screens.
This colorful species has the same growth habit as Phyllostachys aurea, though usually not as fast-spreading. It likes direct sun but can survive in the mixed shade (the shade will slow down its growth). It can also survive in both drought and soggy conditions.
Phyllostachys aurea ‘Holochrysa’
- Type: Running
- Height: 15 – 27 ft (4.5 – 8.2 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
- USDA zones: 7a – 10
- Hardiness: 0°F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: High
The Phyllostachys aurea ‘Holochrysa’ is similar to the species Phyllostachys aurea. Its culms emerge green then turn yellow. As they age, their color becomes a deep golden orange. In the fall, they can sometimes turn purple, taking on spectacular colors. The foliage is light green and dense from base to top.
Just like many ‘Aurea’ species, it is a great choice for hot climates. It loves full sun but is okay in partial shade. It likes moist but well-drained soil. Holochrysa Bamboo is slower-spreading and shorter in stature than other Phyllostachys aurea species.
You can grow the Phyllostachys aurea ‘Holochrysa’ in the ground but don’t forget to install a root barrier to prevent it from spreading everywhere. In fact, it’s considered an invasive plant and is even prohibited in some states, so be sure to check your state’s guidelines before choosing this species.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’
- Type: Running
- Height: 22 – 30 ft (6.7 – 9.1 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
- USDA zones: 5 – 10
- Hardiness: -15°F (-26 °C)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: High
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ is a stunning bamboo with tender green leaves that make up dense foliage. Its gorgeous culms are golden yellow, with a base that is usually streaked with green and sometimes forms a zigzag.
The new shoots emerge yellow with horizontal green stripes beneath the node. When positioned in good sunlight, the bright golden culms are tinged with red. Aureocaulis is one of the most adaptable and impressive of all the golden bamboos.
Aureocaulis Bamboo is hardy and tolerant to cold as well as heat. Without a doubt, this could be one of the finest bamboos for your garden. However, like other Golden Bamboos, it is considered invasive, and you might need to check whether it is prohibited in your state.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’
- Type: Running
- Height: 15 – 25 ft (4 – 8 m)
- Stem diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
- USDA zones: 5 – 10
- Hardiness: -4° F (-20°C)
- Light: Full sun, part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
Spectabilis Bamboo is an extremely cold-hardy bamboo with tall, upright, yellow canes endowed with green contrasting panels in the sulci. It is one of the most impressive bamboos with its rich variety of colors in culms and foliage.
The culms emerge rich, radiant yellow and then mature to deep, golden yellow. Under strong sunlight, the younger culms are temporarily tinged with pink and red and then turn yellow after the first season. This bamboo has narrow lance-shaped, glossy leaves that periodically display pale, light-yellow stripes.
The lower culms of this bamboo form a beautiful and fascinating zigzag pattern. Spectabilis Bamboo is perfect for colder gardens. It makes excellent hedges and can also be grown in containers.
Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ (Golden Vivax)
- Type: Running
- Height: 40 – 50 ft (12.2 – 15.2 m)
- Stem diameter: 3 to 5 in (4.45 cm)
- USDA zones: 6 – 10
- Hardiness: -5° F (-21 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
A giant among the bamboos, the Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ is a fast-growing bamboo, distinguished with large golden-yellow culms, some of which have green stripes. Its glossy dark green foliage is very decorative. It is a beautiful sight to behold!
In China, Golden Vivax can reach an incredible height of 70 feet. It’s a variety that would be great for a bamboo grove—a virtual forest of the bamboo providing dense greenery and a breathtaking natural canopy.
It is widely cultivated in many regions of Europe due to its resistance to both cold and heat. Just like other large bamboos, Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ does best in sunny areas. Keep it away from a windy exposure and plant it in deep, cool, and non-calcareous soil.
This giant works wonders in large gardens, in groves, or for a privacy hedge.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata (Lama Temple)
- Type: Running
- Height: 20 – 25 ft (6.1 – 7.6 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
- USDA zones: 5 – 10
- Hardiness: -10° F (-23 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Lama Temple Bamboo is a rare bamboo that is quite similar to the Aureocaulis. However, it is smaller and has canes of a more brilliant golden yellow. At the end of spring, the young culms exposed to the sun are tinged with brilliant red.
It also has green leaves, some of which are streaked with creamy white. These characteristics and their rarity make the Lama Temple Bamboo a great ornamental choice.
This bamboo is fairly hardy. It likes moist and well-drained soil and is less invasive than some other species. It looks best with about 3 – 5 hours of direct sun in the morning.
Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 10 – 30 ft (3 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.5 – 2 in (4 – 5 cm)
- USDA zones: 9 – 10
- Hardiness: 15 °F (-9 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ is a dense, non-invasive bamboo with glossy, golden-yellow stems that have multiple green stripes. This bamboo is embellished with beautiful, green leaves that sometimes display thin, creamy-yellow stripes.
Alphonse Karr Bamboo is a favorite for bamboo enthusiasts as it is versatile, impressive, and easy to maintain. Its shoots appear green and brilliantly tinged with pink, forming a striking contrast with the glossy culms and leaves of this plant.
This medium-sized bamboo can tolerate almost any condition, even soggy conditions, and high winds. It makes a fantastic container or specimen plant and is a great option for hedges and privacy screens.
Bambusa pervariabilis ‘Viridistriata’ (Sunburnt Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 25 – 30 ft (7.6 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 2.4 in (6 cm)
- USDA zones: 8b – 10
- Hardiness: 20 °F (-7° C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
This is a rare species of bamboo that was recently introduced from China. It is an ornamental bamboo that can serve as a privacy screen or hedge.
It is similar to Bambusa pervariabilis, but more colorful. Bambusa pervariabilis ‘Viridistriata’ is also known as Sunburnt Bamboo. The young shoots emerge creamy-yellow with green stripes.
As it ages, the culms turn golden-yellow with darker green stripes. Sunburnt Bamboo has very full and dense foliage, so you may want to occasionally trim the plants to reveal the colorful culms beneath.
Bambusa ventricosa ‘Kimmei’ (Yellow Buddha Belly Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 40 – 50 ft (12 – 15 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.5 -2.5 in (4 – 6.3 cm)
- USDA zones: 9b – 10
- Hardiness: 21°F (-6 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
This is an amazing ornamental plant that is highly adaptable and easy to grow. It is a fast-growing bamboo that can get up to 55 ft in warm climates. Bambusa ventricosa ‘Kimmei’ is an ideal option for bamboo enthusiasts that want yellow bamboo indoors.
When established, this species of bamboo is drought-tolerant. In extremely hot and dry conditions, Bambusa ventricosa ‘Kimmei’ can swell in a way that looks like each section has a little belly. Hence its nickname: Yellow Buddha Belly Bamboo. Its culms emerge green and then turn golden-yellow tinged with green stripes.
The lush, deep green leaves contrast beautifully with the golden-yellow culms causing a very lovely sight. The arching culms give the bamboo plant a graceful vase-like shape, making it a beautiful ornamental stand-alone piece in the garden or even a delightful bonsai.
Phyllostachys viridis ‘Robert Young’
- Type: Running
- Height: 30-40 ft (9-12 m)
- Stem diameter: 3 in (7.6 cm)
- USDA zones: 7 – 10
- Hardiness: 0°F (-17°C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
This is a beautiful, striped bamboo with yellow culms. It’s an ornamental species loved by many bamboo enthusiasts. Robert Young Bamboo grows straight with light green leaves.
Phyllostachys viridis is a fast-growing bamboo. Especially in warm climates, it produces tall canes in just a few years. It can serve not just as a privacy hedge, but as an amazing centerpiece and a decorative plant.
This bamboo originates from China and Japan. Phyllostachys viridis spreads aggressively and produces high-quality wood and very tasty shoots.
Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ (Golden Hawaiian Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 40 – 60 ft (12 – 18 m)
- Stem diameter: 3 in (7 cm)
- USDA zones: 9 – 12
- Hardiness: 27 °F (-3 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ is one of the most popular ornamental bamboos. It is a very attractive giant tropical and sub-tropical bamboo native to both China and Japan.
This large evergreen bamboo has arching lemon-yellow canes with broad green stripes that look hand-painted. It is also known as the Golden Hawaiian Bamboo or Painted Bamboo, and the culms form an open clump pattern that is perfect for privacy screens.
It is a fast-growing bamboo that can get up to 40 ft in 3 years under average conditions. You’ll find the narrow, lance-shaped leaves extremely attractive. Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ can also be grown for hedges and can serve as erosion control.
Bambusa eutuldoides ‘Viridi Vittata’ (Asian Lemon Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 25 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.5 in (4 cm)
- USDA zones: 9a – 12
- Hardiness: 21 °F (-9 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
This bamboo is commonly referred to as Asian Lemon Bamboo as it is native to China and possesses stunning lemon-yellow culms with varying dark green stripes. Asian Lemon Bamboo forms tight clumps that are ideal for screening.
The young culms are peach and pink in color with green stripes. The leaves of this bamboo are a dark green which occasionally displays cream stripes, so it contrasts nicely with the lemon-yellow culms.
Bambusa eutuldoides ‘Viridi Vittata’ is a rare, eye-catching species valued as an ornamental plant. It makes an excellent decorative bamboo that’ll stand out in any garden.
Borinda albocerea
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 12 – 15 ft (3 – 5 m)
- Stem diameter: 0.8 – 1.0 in (2 – 2.5 cm)
- USDA zones: 8b – 9
- Hardiness: 15 °F (-10 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Borinda albocerea is a spectacular ornamental bamboo forming a clump of arching culms with lance-shaped, light green leaves. The young culms emerge with a waxy coating.
As this bamboo ages, the culm turns yellow-burnt orange as the waxy coating wears off. Borinda albocerea is native to Yunnan and is similar to Borinda boliana which is an open clumping type with large blue-green leaves.
The culms of this bamboo are very straight. Borinda albocerea enjoys bright, indirect sunlight but dislikes very hot climates.
Chimonocalamus pallens (Grey Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.2 in (3 cm)
- USDA zones: 9-10
- Hardiness: 15 °F (-9 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Chimonocalamus pallens, also known as Grey Bamboo, is a unique clumping bamboo from Yunnan, a subtropical mountain of southern China. This species is particularly hard to find but is heat-tolerant and very colorful.
It has beautiful, light green leaves and grey culms that turn yellow in the fall. The culms can also take on a red color when exposed to bright sunlight. The culm sheaths are green with purple stripes.
Another fascinating feature of this bamboo is the thorny nature of its nodes! The culms of this bamboo are straight with root thorns on its nodes. Chimonocalamus pallens is a slow grower and is not a cold-hardy species.
Chimonobambusa quadrangularis ‘Suow’
- Type: Running
- Height: 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.0 – 1.5 in (2.5 – 4 cm)
- USDA zones: 8 – 10
- Hardiness: 15 °F (-10 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Suow is one of the most intriguing ornamental bamboos, popular for its striking square-shaped culms. The culms have large nodes and vary in color. While some culms emerge green with yellow stripes, be aware that some might not have yellow stripes at all.
However, you’ll certainly admire the adorable dark green foliage layered in an umbrella-like shape. Suow does best in the shade, as its leaves turn yellow and the culms get red when exposed to bright sunlight.
The upright pattern and colorful features of this bamboo make it an exceptional plant. Suow also creates excellent screens and hedges as it is ideal for narrow spaces.
Chusquea culeou (Chilean Straight)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 12 – 20 ft (3 – 6 m)
- Stem diameter: 1 – 1.25 in (2.5 – 3 cm)
- USDA zones: 7 – 10
- Hardiness: 0 °F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Chusquea culeou is a diverse species of bamboo with solid culms. It is one of the best bamboos for full sun, as it tolerates full sun more than many other clumping bamboos.
This bamboo has a dense branching habit. It doesn’t do very well in containers but it’s one of the best bamboos for a hedge. Chusquea culeou is quick growing especially when mulched and fertilized regularly.
Its culms are lime-yellow with dark blue-green nodes. It’s a hardy ornamental bamboo with beautiful culms.
Chusquea gigantea
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 20 – 25 ft (6 – 15 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.0 – 1.5 in (3 – 5 cm)
- USDA zones: 7 – 9
- Hardiness: 0 °F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Chusquea gigantea is a clumping bamboo native to South America. It is a rare bamboo species loved for its beautiful, solid culms. They are bright yellow-green with dark internodes.
This bamboo is said to be the hardest and largest within the Chusquea variety. It forms open clumps so it is more effective for privacy screens than many other clumping bamboos. Chusquea gigantea is wind-resistant and very quick to grow.
Although Chusquea gigantea requires a lot of space to grow, it rewards you with an amazing sight in your garden. You can also use this bamboo as a specimen plant or a stand-alone piece in the garden.
Chusquea sulcata
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 8 – 15 ft (2.4 – 5 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.0 in (3 cm)
- USDA zones: 9 – 10
- Hardiness: 20 °F (-6 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
Sulcata Bamboo is one of the most attractive, tropical-looking bamboos. It has very attractive golden-yellow culms with dark-green, widened nodes.
The thin, feathery, green leaves of this bamboo get up to 4 – 5 inches long. You’ll find the umbrella shape of this bamboo very stunning.
Fargesia dracocephala (Gold Stem Bamboo)
- Type: Clumping
- Height: 6 – 20 ft (1.8 – 6 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.0 in (3 cm)
- USDA zones: 5 – 10
- Hardiness: 21 °F (-9 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
This is a medium-sized clumping bamboo that is attractive and strong. Being more sun tolerant than many other Fargesia species, it has solid culms and fairly thick leaves.
Fargesia dracocephala, or Gold Stem Bamboo, has light green-yellow culms and green, weeping foliage. This bamboo grows densely, forming a nice canopy shape that is very useful for privacy screens and hedges. Gold Stem Bamboo prefers cooler regions and shade.
Himalayacalamus falconeri ‘Damarapa’ (Candy Stripe Bamboo)
- Type: Running
- Height: 20 – 30 ft (6 – 9 m)
- Stem diameter: 1.5 – 2.0 in (4 – 5 cm)
- USDA zones: 6b – 8a
- Hardiness: 20 °F (-6 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Regular
This bamboo, also known as Candy Stripe Bamboo, is a highly ornamental, medium-sized plant with beautiful colors. It has golden culms with multiple green stripes. When exposed to intense sunlight, the culms can turn to shades of lavender-pink, scarlet, and cranberry with dark green stripes. Sounds magical, right?
The shoots of this bamboo emerge green with pink and yellow stripes. When full-grown, the deep green leaves can be 4-7 inches long. Some of its leaves can have narrow cream-yellow stripes, though this is not always the case.
Candy Stripe Bamboo is easy to grow but it does best in cool climates. This bamboo is ideal for screening and can be grown in containers.
Phyllostachys glauca (Hedge Bamboo)
- Type: Running
- Height: 15 – 25 ft (4.5 – 8.5 m)
- Stem diameter: 2.0 in (5 cm)
- USDA zones: 6b – 10
- Hardiness: 0 °F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
Phyllostachys glauca (common name Hedge Bamboo) is a fast-growing bamboo notable for its tall, upright culms coated with blue-white waxy powder. With age, the culms lose their powder, maturing to a pale yellow-green which contrasts nicely with its big, radiant, green leaves.
The combination of new growth and mature culms offers an exciting display that adds color and texture to any garden. The leaves of this bamboo are broad and can get up to 7 in (18 cm).
Hedge Bamboo is not just drought-tolerant, it can also withstand wet and dry conditions more than many other varieties. It spreads steadily, forming an open grove that creates very impressive hedges and privacy screens.
This bamboo is great for coastal areas as it is tolerant to cold and strong winds and can even be used for windbreaks. Phyllostachys glauca can also be grown in containers as it is generally considered pest-resistant.
Phyllostachys bambusoides ‘Castillonis’
- Type: Running
- Height: 38 ft (11.6 m)
- Diameter: 3 – 5 in (7.62 – 12.7 cm)
- USDA zones: 7 – 10
- Hardiness: 5 °F (-15 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Watering: Average
Phyllostachys bambusoides ‘Castillonis’ is a giant with impressive culms. The culms are bright golden yellow with a few brilliant green stripes. Its evergreen leaves are also very beautiful, variegated with creamy white.
Castillonis grows equally well in sun and partial shade. It prefers rich and cool soil. It supports temperatures down to 5°F but needs long and hot summers. This bamboo requires the installation of a root barrier to control its spread.
You can plant it individually to highlight its contrasting colors or use it to form a grove or compose a windbreak hedge.
