Phyllostachys is a genus of bamboos in family Poaceae, comprising 75 species and 200 hybrids and cultivars. It is native to Asia, with a large numbers of species found in central China. It can now be found in many temperate and semi-tropical areas around the world.
Most of the species of Phyllostachys spread agressively by underground rhizomes and some are considered invasive species in areas outside their native range, particularly in North America. These useful bamboos can be used as a barrier or screen, at the back of a border or in a large container. They are imposing plants and need space to be appreciated.
Phyllostachys is one of the most easily identifiable genera of bamboo, because the stem or culm of has a prominent groove, called a sulcus, that runs along the length of each segments (or intermode). Most of the species of Phyllostachys spread aggressively by underground rhizomes and some are considered invasive species in areas outside their native range, particularly in North America. These useful bamboos can be used as a barrier or screen, hedging, at the back of a border or in a large container. They are imposing plants and need space to be appreciated. When plants get congested, remove old canes (culms) in the center of the clumps and cut out dead culms after flowering. some of the smaller species can be grown as bonsai.
Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo, Kuretake), 5 x 3m, become black as they age. The mid to dark green leaves are carried on numerous shoots that grow from the branches that emerge from the cane nodes. P. nigra 'Bornyana' has brown makings on the canes.
Phyllostachys aurea (Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo) , 4 x 1.8 m, has graceful, golden-yellow canes and mid- to light green leaves.
Plant Phyllostachys in sun, in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Propagation is by division in spring. Pests are slugs and snails.
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