Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ (Painted Bamboo)

One of the most cultivated ornamental bamboos, Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ (Painted Bamboo) is a large evergreen bamboo with arching golden-yellow canes, up to 3 in. wide (7 cm), randomly marked with narrow and broad green stripes. The canes hold up several to many clustered branches, often striped, and adorned with narrow lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm). Widely planted as an ornamental bamboo, this non-invasive bamboo makes a wonderful hedge or privacy screen. Good for erosion control. Hardiness: 27ºF (-3ºC).

• Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall (12-18 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist soils .
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, cottony scales and bamboo borer.
• Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
• Propagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
• Bambusa vulgaris species is native to Asia. It can form dense thickets that displace native species. Once this plant is established, it is difficult to remove. 
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.