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Species > Phyllostachys

Phyllostachys  -   this genus is one of the most numerous; there are around 50 commercially available varieties in the UK. They are generally medium to large bamboos mostly originating in China and most are hardy to about -15C. They have moderately invasive rhizomes, but these are easily checked. They have great value as specimen plants due to their attractive and varied culm colour e.g. black, yellow, pink, green, striped or spotted. The culms are generally thicker but fewer than for other genera. The internodes have a shallow groove on alternate sides. An attraction of this genus is that the grooves often have a contrasting colour to the main culm. Due to their height, they are suitable for tall screens or as an individual specimen in a bed or container. For best results you will need good irrigation, rich soil - and full sun.

- arcana   'Luteosulcata

Culms thick, often having shortened or compressed internodes near the base. Leaves medium. This species has a stiff upright habit. 3->5m high. My original plant never did very well, most probably due to my dry stony soil. In desperation the decision was taken to divide it into three - two were put into large pots and the other was tried in another part of the garden. All are now doing well!

Culms medium to thick, deep green. Leaves medium, conspicuously white striped when young, less conspicuous with age. (Recently flowering). 3-5m high.

Culms thick, often having zig-zag distortions near the base. The internodal groove is dull yellow. Leaves medium, dark green and elegant. A very hardy species. 3->5m high.

Culms thick, golden-yellow with green internodal grooves, turning red in sun temporarily. Leaves medium. The best yellow stemmed Phyllostachys for cold or exposed gardens. 3-5m high. This is one of my favourites as it grows strongly, is amenable to thinning and always looks good. It has an upright habit.

Culms thick, green with very deep yellow internodal grooves. Leaves medium, conspicuously striped with white and orange tinted when young. Can be slow to establish. 3-5m high.

Culms thick, golden-yellow, with green internodal grooves. Leaves medium, consistently striped white, but inclined to be scruffy at the end of winter. 3-5m high.

Culms thick, deep golden-yellow, almost orange-yellow in sun. Leaves medium. A superb coloured-stem bamboo, but having a rather lax habit. 3-5m high.

Culms thick to very thick, dark green. Leaves medium, also dark green. The hardiest Phyllostachys in cultivation and usually the freshest looking bamboo at the end of winter. >5m high.

Culms thick to very thick, covered in velvety hairs when young. Leaves small. Rather difficult to establish and reluctant to reach any great size, unless given a long, hot summer and adequate moisture. 3->5m high.

"Tortoise Shell Bamboo’. Culms thick, sometimes but rarely in Britain having compressed and inclined internodes at the base. Difficult to establish. 3-5m high.

Culms thick to very thick, gradually developing random stripes which are yellow at first, becoming brownish-purple later. Often has zig-zag distortions at the base. Leaves medium. >5m high.

"Black Bamboo". Culms medium to thick, green at first, becoming jet-black. Leaves small to medium. The stems will turn black quicker in sunny, drier conditions. 3-5m high.

- - ‘Boryana’

Culms thick, green in the first season, gradually developing black internodal grooves. Leaves small to medium. Has an elegant habit. >5m high.

Culms very thick, becoming yellow with a few random green stripes. Will not attain a very deep colour in cool temperate climates. Leaves small to medium. 3-5m high.

Culms thick to very thick, rich yellow, with random green stripes and panels. Leaves medium. The most impressive yellow-stem bamboo. 3->5m high.