6 coloured culms bamboo

Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’: a particularly bright yellow bamboo

Known as yellow bamboo, the Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ is an exceptional variety that stands out for its bright yellow culms, sometimes striped with green at the base, which take on a pink to red hue when exposed to the rays of the sun. These very luminous culms, measuring 3 to 4 cm in diameter, contrast elegantly with the glossy, dark green leaves of this bamboo, which are beautifully highlighted by the canes. Used as a backdrop in borders or as a standalone specimen, it forms a very graphic clump.

Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ thrives in cool, well-drained soils without excessive lime and grows well in any exposure. It is generally used to form a hedge, but also as a standalone specimen. This variety tolerates pruning very well, making it a perfect bamboo for growing in large containers.

Yellow bamboo is a very running variety with rapid growth that requires plenty of space to spread. Its rootstocks can penetrate barriers and must therefore be contained using a rhizome barrier.

Phyllostachys nigra: the black bamboo with sumptuous ebony-coloured culms

Known as black bamboo, the Phyllostachys nigra produces exceptional culms of ebony black colour. The canes measure 2 to 4 cm in diameter, green in the first year, gradually turning black over the next two years. In clumps, the culms of different ages display varied colours that are very aesthetic.

Phyllostachys nigra | © Leonora (Ellie) Enking | Flickr

Phyllostachys nigra is a hardy bamboo that tolerates temperatures below -15°C and enjoys partial shade, but is sensitive to scorching sun and drought. Black bamboo also prefers rich, cool, heavy soils that retain water. It can be used as a backdrop, as a standalone specimen, or as a potted plant in a large container.

Although it has a slow growth rate, Phyllostachys nigra is a very running and suckering variety. Therefore, ensure to install a rhizome barrier to define its growing area.

Fargesia nitida Red Dragon: a bamboo with red culms perfect for small spaces

Variety of the latest generation, Fargesia nitida Red Dragon is a bamboo with striking red culms, perfect for a zen-inspired garden. In its juvenile stage, its slender canes are initially green and glaucous. They have the unique characteristic of changing colour with the seasons, shifting from orange-yellow to burgundy red depending on their exposure.

Perfectly hardy, Fargesia nitida Red Dragon can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. It prefers acidic to neutral, light, cool, and well-drained soils. It is best planted in a shaded or partially shaded position to protect it from scorching sun and wind. This bamboo variety can also be grown in pots.

The Fargesia Red Dragon is a cespitose bamboo that has the great advantage of not being running. It is therefore perfectly suited for small spaces and does not require the installation of a rhizome barrier.

Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis: a giant bamboo with splendid ochre-yellow culms

Giant bamboo that can reach up to 15 m in height, the Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis is highly valued for its magnificent and wide culms measuring 8 to 10 cm in diameter, which offer a warm ochre yellow colour. The culms are channelled, with nodes adorned with fine green stripes that are very aesthetic.

Hardy down to -20°C, this giant bamboo prefers fertile, moist soils and sunny exposures. A very vigorous variety, it must however be sheltered from strong winds due to its thin-walled and brittle culms. It is generally grown in isolated clumps.

Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis is a very running, fast-growing variety, capable of quickly forming a true bamboo forest. Be sure to channel its rapid expansion with a rhizome barrier.

Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon: a bamboo with young culms of steel blue.

Medium-sized variety, the Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon is a very spectacular and graphic bamboo due to the steel-blue colour of its young culms. Offering an upright habit, this bamboo features culms that, in their juvenile stage, are covered with a bluish bloom.

Hardy down to -15°C, this bamboo is, however, less cold-resistant than other Fargesias. It prefers light, fresh, well-drained soils that are acidic or neutral. It is best planted in partial shade and sheltered from drying and cold winds.

Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon is a cespitose bamboo with relatively rapid growth. Since it is not running, the installation of a rootstock barrier is not obligatory here.

Phyllostachys vivax Huangwenzhu: a giant bamboo with green culms striped with yellow

Phyllostachys vivax Huangwenzhu is a majestic giant bamboo with a wide, spreading habit, featuring broad culms that are beautifully coloured in green streaked with yellow. This variety, with its very exotic appearance, has channelled and light green culms, and nodes traversed by yellow furrows that create a particularly elegant effect.

Hardy down to -15°C, this giant bamboo requires acidic to neutral, rich and moist soil, as well as a sunny position sheltered from strong winds. Indeed, although imposing, the canes of this variety have a thin wall and are not very resistant to strong winds.

With rapid growth, Phyllostachys vivax Huangwenzhu can reach heights of up to 12 metres. Vigorous, it is also a running rhizome bamboo that must be contained by a rhizome barrier.

For further reading

• Feel free to consult Virginie’s expert advice on how to choose the varieties of bamboo to grow at home.
• All the most ornamental varieties of bamboo are also available in the Promesse de Fleurs online shop.