PHYLLOSTACHYS. China, Japan, Himalayan region. These include perhaps the commonest bamboo of the trade (P. aurea), some of the largest of the timber bamboos, and a variety of lesser-known, highly ornamental species of various shapes and sizes. They are of the running type, but to a highly variable degree. The main stems are usually somewhat zigzag in growth, flattened or channeled on alternate sides between the nodes, and carrying 2-3 major branches at each upper node. The leaves often have a lush, deceptively tropical appearance. Culture varies, though most thrive in sun or shade, most soils, and a wide variety of watering and feeding regimes. The following are hardy to 10oF or less.
aurea. Golden bamboo. We grow this old favorite in response to popular demand, though with reservations. It is one of the species most responsible for the bamboos’ reputation as fearsome invaders. The typical form makes impenetrable thickets—wonderful for barriers and giant hedges, a nightmare to control in the smaller garden. The culms are up to 20’ tall and 2” in diameter. They are bright green when young but gradually change to a dull gold. The branches bear generous sprays of 2-4” leaves, dark green under ideal conditions but pale and yellowish under stress. More interesting are some selected forms with unusual features. ‘Koi’ is distinguished by dark green grooves on an otherwise typical, golden stem. ‘Albo-variegata’ was one of my recent favorites with its beautifully white-banded leaves. Unfortunately it is now in heavy bloom; whether the plants will survive remains to be seen. 0oF.
aureosulcata. Golden groove bamboo. An extremely hardy species with several features of interest. It may reach 30', though it is usually much less. The stems are relatively slender and often follow a zigzag course. Between each pair of nodes runs a golden yellow groove. Leaves are up to 6" long, narrow and softly shiny. The variety alata is similar but has a distinctly zigzag pattern of growth. The grooves are colored green instead of gold. ‘Spectabilis’ is about what the name implies–an exceptionally showy selection. The stems are patterned in reverse of the typical form, golden overall with deep green grooves. Below 0oF.
bambusoides. Madake. This is the classic timber bamboo. It is moderate in growth and innocent-looking when young but can eventually reach a height of 70’ and a stem diameter of 6". Fortunately, in our climate it is usually much smaller. It has elegant bright green stems with conspicuous rings at the nodes, and large, softly shiny leaves. ‘Castillon’ (‘Castillonis’, castillonii) is a selected clone growing about 30’ tall, smaller than typical forms but still impressive. The stems are up to 2" in diameter, golden yellow overall with striking dark green grooves. It has the same towers of lush, dark leaves as other forms. We have also received a selection, identified only as of the P. bambusoides complex, perhaps a form of P. vivax or another related species. It has smaller leaves but otherwise, nearly identical features to typical P. bambusoides. The selection long known as ‘Slender Crookstem’ is considerably smaller than typical P. bambusoides, with many slender stems. These grow in a marked zigzag pattern. About 0oF.
dulcis. Sweetshoot bamboo. This bamboo is valued for its sweet shoots, which have little of the bitter substances common in other species. It grows as much as 40' high, with green stems over 2" in diameter. It makes large, attractive brushes of deep green leaves up to 5' long. Below 0oF.
mannii (cv. ‘Mannii’?). An Indian species of distinct habit. It makes dense hedge-like thickets, with rather slender, well-branched stems 15-20’ high. The leaves are dark green, narrow and up to 6" long. The whole plant has a bright, clean look and is valuable for screens and natural hedges. 10oF. or less.
nigra. Black bamboo. One of the best-known and best-loved of the bamboos. It forms large thickets of 8-20' stems, each green when young, becoming polished and nearly black in age. The branches arch gracefully, presenting open sprays of dark green leaves up to 5" long. The selection ‘Bory’ has stiffer, straighter culms with brown spotting which creates a tortoiseshell pattern. ‘Henon’ (henonis) is more like one of the timber bamboos, with greyish green culms up to 50’ high and 3” in diameter. All are hardy to around 0oF.
[praecox]. The brackets indicate some question about its identity. As a young plant, it is distinguished by its profuse habit, resulting in dense thickets, and slender, well branched stems. If it is truly P. praecox, it should reach about 30' in height, with stems up to 3" in diameter. The young shoots should be edible and choice. The leaves are about 4" long, dark and shiny. With annual division, it makes a very attractive specimen for tubs. Allowed to roam, it is an impressive bamboo for the open garden. Probably 0-10oF.
pubescens (heterocycla, edulis). Moso bamboo. Eventually one of the truly gigantic timber bamboos (up to 70’), Moso is relatively restrained in its youth. It makes a thick hedge of slender, intricately branched stems with short, broad, satiny leaves. Along the ultimate branchlets, each node has a white, waxy ring and a collar of short, bristly hairs. I have selected some of the most promising plants from two large seedling batches and decided to name one for distribution. This is ‘Shining Light’, distinguished by particularly large, bright green, very shiny leaves. All are elegant subjects for large tubs, as well as the open garden, and among the hardiest bamboos.
viridis (mitis) ‘Robert Young’. A vigorous grower, forming thickets of 15-30' stems, each bright green when young, aging yellow-green with darker green stripes. They are well-branched above to make a lush display of shiny 3-5" leaves. The foliage color is best in light shade.