Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis

Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis (common name Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo) is arguably one of the most spectacular among the bamboo specimens. A tall, hardy and very impressive bamboo, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo puts forth a shiny, golden cane with occasional green stripes making it a superb architectural selection with a colourful presentation to the eye.
With origins in Eastern China, where, when left to grow wild, can reach heights of 20 metres or more; this fast grower will often reach 8 metres or more in gardens of the UK and Ireland. A member of the Poaceae Family, the Phyllostachys Genus is an attractive, tall, clump-forming evergreen bamboo. Its canes are grooved, along alternate orientations, with usually two leafy branches at each node. Specifically, the Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis, or Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, is perhaps the most vigorous of all within its family, with tall, upright canes of golden yellow colouration that bear dense, drooping leaves that will measure up to 20 centimetres in length. The shiny golden canes develop from soft, butter yellow shoots which emerge in the late spring and early summer. Once emerged, the canes shoot to the sky at a remarkable pace.
The Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis has been known to tolerate temperatures as low as -23oC, proving to be as hardy as or more than any related Phyllostachys. In the UK and Ireland, we recommend zones to H5. It prefers good sunlight, with aspects facing to the South or West as its first choices. Exposure should provide for some shelter from cold, dry winds. In terms of soil preferences, if near neutral in pH, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline, this bamboo will thrive. Soil should be moist, and have good drainage. Loam textures are preferred. Provide enough room for its spread of 2.5-4.0 metres and anticipate growth to 8 metres in the 5-10 years it takes to reach ultimate growth. If growing in containers, plan to grow in a loam-based soil blend with plenty of compost and allow for good drainage. In very warm climates, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo can become invasive when you provide it with a moist, warm environment and optimum soil conditions. To prevent this, use a Bamboo Barrier. 
This very attractive bamboo serves as an excellent choice for your patio as a container plant, managed as a hedge, or perhaps an Evergreen Screen so as to highlight its superb architectural value and colouration. These many assets make it no surprise that the RHS awarded the prestige of its Award of Garden Merit in 1992 to the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo.