Bamboo - Phyllostachys Aureosulcata - Yellow Groove Bamboo

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position.

One report says that this is a very hardy plant, withstanding temperatures down to about -20°c, whilst another says that it dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts.

This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.

Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die.

The rootstock is running but only slightly so in the cooler climate of Britain.

The bottoms of some culms have large kinks in them, this limits their use for timber etc but makes them more ornamental.

Gramineae

Common name: Yellow Groove bamboo

P. aureosulcata f. spectabilis

aureosulcata = golden grooved; sulcata = furrowed;

Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.

This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees.

An evergreen bamboo growing to 6m by 6m. It is in leaf all year. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by the wind.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Stem.

Young shoots - raw or cooked. They have very little bitterness, even when eaten raw. The canes are about 25mm in diameter. The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Plant support; Wood.

The canes are not of the best quality but make good plant supports.

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available.

Division in spring as new growth commences. Divisions from the open ground do not transplant well, so will need careful treatment and nurturing under cover in pots until at least late spring. Division is best carried out in wet weather and small divisions will establish better than large clumps. Another report says that you can take large divisions from established clumps and transfer them straight to their permanent positions, misting or drenching them frequently until they are established.

Basal cane cuttings in spring.