Golden Bamboo Hedge (Phyllostachys aurea)

Golden Bamboo Hedge Plant Description

Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), also known as Fishpole Bamboo, is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, tall hedge. Like most bamboo species, Golden Bamboo grows exceptionally quickly, making it ideal for creating a tall, screening hedge with effective sound-reducing qualities. When grown in full sun, the young green canes gradually mature into attractive lemon-yellow canes with green stripes. With ample sunlight, the canes develop a more intense golden-yellow hue, providing a striking contrast to the pale, golden-green foliage.

Incorporating Phyllostachys aurea into your garden adds a touch of the Orient, offering a more exotic and modern aesthetic compared to traditional hedge plants. The tall, cane-like stems and long, fluttering leaves introduce dynamic movement in the breeze, distinguishing this bamboo from other varieties with its densely clustered nodes at the base.

This variety is less vigorous and spreading in the UK climate compared to Black Bamboo and Green Bamboo, clumping rather than running, and will achieve similar heights with minimal invasiveness.

Under optimal conditions, Golden Bamboo can grow up to 6 metres tall. To support its full height, it prefers moist soil; therefore, planting it slightly below ground level (about an inch or two) is recommended to create a small depression around the canes that can retain rainwater.

Golden Bamboo may take a year or two to fully establish. During this period, it should be well-watered and fed every alternate year in late spring, once the first shoots have reached their full height. It thrives in full sun or semi-shade and grows approximately 60-90 cm per year.

Pruning Advice

Given the rapid growth of Golden Bamboo, regular pruning is essential to maintain the desired appearance. In spring, any unwanted or damaged canes should be cut back to ground level, and new shoots should be pruned to match the established height of the plants.

For general maintenance, hedge trimming should be carried out twice annually: once in early June and again in late September. It is crucial to prune at the correct times to avoid removing healthy, actively growing shoots.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are listed in the product grid. These should be used as a guide when considering the time you are willing to wait for your hedge to achieve its full appearance. As a general indication, bare root plants can be spaced at 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants can be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, consider planting in a double staggered row or a zig-zag pattern.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.