Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’ – Green Groove Bamboo

General Information: Perhaps the showiest Bamboo species we offer. The culms (canes) of this distinctly ornamental bamboo are golden yellow with a green vertical stripe, and the leaves are also occasionally variegated with white stripes. This variety is the mirror image of Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata). The wood, although beautiful, is not well suited for construction or craft work. It is fragile, prone to splitting, and degrades quickly in the sun. Green Groove Bamboo’s combination of strikingly distinctive coloration, size, and cold hardiness ranks high on the list of large and showy Bamboos suitable for cold climates, however. In colder regions, the plants benefit from protection against winter winds. About 20% of the culms have a distinct and sometimes very pronounced crook near the base. This feature, which is descriptively referred to as genuflection (meaning “bending of the knee”) adds to the ornamental appeal of the species.

Cultivation Details: Running Bamboo such as this species can be aggressive and form large colonies. Consider installing a rhizome barrier, berm, trench, or adopting a strict mowing plan to limit the spread of this species. Plants are initially quick to spread compared to other Phyllostachys Bamboos. Rhizome growth may seem slow to start in the first year, but in an established planting, plants can spread underground over 4 feet per season. While this species of Bamboo has been exceptional in our plantings in terms of vigor and height, they are prone to leaf damage from very cold winter winds. During the winter of 2022-2023 we experienced a cold snap where temperatures plunged to -15°F with wind chill. The leaves of this species were entirely scorched during the event, but the buds survived to leaf back out in spring. We noticed during this particular cold snap that Green Groove Bamboo holds onto scorched leaves the longest out of all the species we carry, increasing the appeal of this species as a living screen in cold climates. That said, this species will still benefit the most if planted in a sheltered position.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. Prefers any well-drained soil. Does not tolerate standing water. Tolerates most soil types. Suitable for most soil pH.

Note: For quantity or wholesale pricing, if you need to schedule a delivery, or if you wish to pick up plants at the farm, e-mail us at: Info@tripplebrookfarm.com. Whenever possible, it is preferable to pick up plants here at the farm so we can dig huskier root balls.