Phyllostachys aurea is native to China and Vietnam. It is widely cultivated in other temperate and subtropical regions as an ornamental plant and for creating barriers and hedges.
Phyllostachys aurea is a fast-growing perennial plant that can reach heights of 3-6 meters. It has an upright, bushy growth habit with thin, segmented green stems that can take on a golden or yellowish hue with age, which is where the common name comes from. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, and about 10-15 cm long, with a smooth, glossy surface.
Phyllostachys aurea flowers very rarely and under specific conditions. When it does flower, the flowers are small and not very showy, with a flowering cycle that can last several years. After flowering, the plant produces seeds that can be used for propagation. However, most of the cultivation of Phyllostachys aurea occurs through rhizome division rather than seeding.
Phyllostachys aurea grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH from neutral to slightly acidic. It prefers sunny or partially shaded positions and can tolerate a variety of moisture conditions. It is quite cold-resistant, but young plants may suffer if exposed to severe frosts. It is also drought-resistant once established.
Phyllostachys aurea is valued for its decorative appearance and is often used in gardens and landscapes as a hedge or barrier plant to create visual screens and privacy. It is particularly appreciated for its rapid growth and ability to form dense clumps. However, it is important to note that Phyllostachys aurea is a rhizomatous bamboo species that can spread rapidly and invade surrounding spaces if not contained. To manage it, it is advisable to plant bamboo in containers or use rhizome barriers to limit its expansion. Additionally, the stems can become very dry and brittle at the end of winter, but they typically produce fresh new shoots in spring.
