Bamboo ID?

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:42 am

There was quite a few clumps of this growing unprotected at a zoo here in central Kansas, these survived below zero temps last winter. (at least enough survived to grow back this season

The photo isn't the greatest, but the culms are yellow. Any idea what species this might be?

Steve

Paul Ont · Post by **Paul Ont** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:20 am

It's a Phyllostachys, and I think I know which one, but I'll go through my reasoning first. If it took sub zero temps that rules out some species like P. aurea and its varieties, as well as the bigger timber bamboo that also have yellow culms.

The spp. that can handle sub zero cold are almost exclusively green culmed (P. nuda, atrovaginata, angusta, bissettii, aureosulcata, stimulosa), however, P. aureosulcata has 2 varieties (+ 2 others that are 'mixed' in colour) that have mostly yellow culms. One is P. aureosulcata 'spectibilis' which is often regarded as one of the most attractive bamboos in cultivation, and has the benefit of holding some green into sub zero temperatures.

The other aureosulcata that has yellow culms is P. aureosulcata 'aureocaulis' a very hardy and exceptionally beautiful bamboo. I know of people in Quebec Canada growing this bamboo is zone 3/4 (by bending it over in the winter), so it is very tough! Great find, it'sone of my favorite bamboos, but if you want to try it be sure to give it room because n a very short time it will invade a large area!

Here is a website about it:
http://www.bamboogarden.com/Phyllostach ... aulis'.htm

And here is the plain green form in my zone 4/5 garden after a winter down to -20f:

<img src="http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/32797 ... 600Q85.jpg" alt="002">

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:41 pm

Paul,

Thank you for the link and info!
(talked my wife into ordering me a one gallon Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis' for father's day

Is there any planting techniques, amendments, etc. you can suggest ?

Steve

Paul Ont · Post by **Paul Ont** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:31 pm

Check out needmore bamboo (a google search will yield the correct page) for how Brad Salmon grows his in Indiana. He has an extensive collection and I'm sure he discusses growing medium.

Otherwise, Bamboo is pretty easy to care for, ammendments to include organic matter and nutrients will yield better and faster growth... But bamboo is very forgiving and will grow in almost any soil type (excluding constantly wet soil, and even then there are types that can handle constant moisture), you just won't get mature culms with massive size with low nutrient soil (think grass!)!

Good luck!

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:02 am

Thanks again Paul, that site has some great photos & info.
BTW - Yours looks great after -20F

Steve

Knnn · Post by **Knnn** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 12:20 pm

My Bamboo arrived today!

Well packed & labeled,

Planted in an open area behind the green house, will have plenty of room to spread out.

Steve

Paul Ont · Post by **Paul Ont** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 6:15 am

Fantastic. Now, give it 2-3 years to settle and then it will launch skyward!

lucky1 · Post by **lucky1** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:48 pm

...and into the neighboring county

Love bamboo!
Barb

sidpook · Post by **sidpook** » Tue May 18, 2010 4:13 am

Ugh...this is the styuff i am trying to rip out behind my shed!...and the neighbor's sheds...and their neighbors' sheds...etc....

ROBRETI · Post by **ROBRETI** » Tue May 18, 2010 6:08 am

Paul, great summary on the bamboos, thanks a lot for it!

Steve, good luck for your new "baby"! Do ypou plan to ocntain it or you would rather choose to have a screen or hedge?

Rob