Phyllostachys aurea / Fish pole or Golden Bamboo
Price range: £75.00 through £150.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Golden Bamboo, Fish Pole Bamboo
- Botanical Name: Phyllostachys aurea
- Plant Type: Evergreen bamboo
- Mature Height: 4–8m (can be kept smaller by container or regular pruning)
- Mature Spread: 2–4m (can spread further if not contained)
- Foliage: Slender, lance-shaped, bright green leaves; upright golden-yellow canes (culms)
- Stem Colour: Young canes green, maturing to golden-yellow in full sun
- Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy in most of UK & Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils
- Aspect: Full sun to partial shade (best colour in sun)
- Maintenance: Moderate (contain roots, prune old canes, water in dry spells)
Description
Phyllostachys aurea, commonly known as Golden Bamboo or Fish Pole Bamboo, is a striking, upright bamboo prized for its elegant golden-yellow canes and lush, evergreen foliage. Fast-growing and highly architectural, it provides instant height, movement, and year-round screening—making it a favourite for privacy, windbreaks, or as a dramatic specimen in contemporary gardens.
The canes emerge green and gradually mature to a rich golden-yellow, especially when grown in full sun. With its upright habit and graceful, arching leaves, Golden Bamboo brings a touch of the exotic to borders, courtyards, and large containers. It’s also known as Fish Pole Bamboo because the strong, straight canes are traditionally used for fishing poles.
This bamboo is a running type, meaning it can spread vigorously if not contained. For most gardens, it’s best grown in large containers or with a root barrier to prevent unwanted spread. With a little care, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance plant that brings structure, sound, and movement to the garden year-round.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Space plants 1.5–2.5m apart for screening. Plant container-grown specimens in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a sunny, sheltered spot for the best cane colour and upright growth, but it will tolerate light shade. Dig a generous hole, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost to support establishment. For ground planting, install a root barrier or plant in a bottomless container to control spread. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Space plants 1.5–2.5m apart for screening. Plant container-grown specimens in spring (March–May) or early autumn (September–October). Choose a sunny, sheltered spot for the best cane colour and upright growth, but it will tolerate light shade. Dig a generous hole, loosen the soil well, and incorporate compost to support establishment. For ground planting, install a root barrier or plant in a bottomless container to control spread. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Soil Preparation:
Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Improve heavy clay with compost and grit to aid drainage. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the plant.
Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Improve heavy clay with compost and grit to aid drainage. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and feed the plant.
Container Growing:
Excellent in large pots or troughs. Use a free-draining, moisture-retentive compost. Water regularly, especially in summer, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Excellent in large pots or troughs. Use a free-draining, moisture-retentive compost. Water regularly, especially in summer, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Seasonal Care:
Moderate maintenance. Water during dry spells, especially in the first two years and in containers. Remove old or weak canes at ground level in spring to keep the clump tidy and encourage new growth. Thin out congested stems as needed.
Moderate maintenance. Water during dry spells, especially in the first two years and in containers. Remove old or weak canes at ground level in spring to keep the clump tidy and encourage new growth. Thin out congested stems as needed.
Containment:
Golden Bamboo is a running type and can spread quickly if not contained. Use a root barrier or plant in a large container to prevent unwanted spread.
Golden Bamboo is a running type and can spread quickly if not contained. Use a root barrier or plant in a large container to prevent unwanted spread.
Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. Watch for aphids or spider mites in hot, dry weather. Good watering and regular thinning help prevent problems.
Generally trouble-free. Watch for aphids or spider mites in hot, dry weather. Good watering and regular thinning help prevent problems.
Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring.
Propagate by division in spring.
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