Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2008
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE LARGER IMAGE
Photo copyright:
Ned Jaquith, 2003
Phyllostachys praecox 'Viridisulcata'
"Early Bamboo"
Maximum Height 33 feet
Diameter: 2 inches
Hardiness: 5º F
USDA Zone recommended 7 through
9
Grown in Zhejiang, Anji, and Anhui Provinces of China, this is one of our most interesting and rare bamboos. The culms are yellow with a green sulcus and sometimes bare an attractive red blush as the new shoots develop. It is also known for its tasty new shoots, which are often the first to emerge out of the ground in early spring (hence the name "Early Bamboo"). It has a similar color pattern to P. aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’ and P. bambusoides ‘Castillon’ but is perhaps even more spectacular. Random green pinstripes form on other parts of the cane, making it’s coloration wild and unpredictable. It is best planted as a solitary specimen, in an area where the display of bright colors can be easily viewed and enhanced. It has been flowering sporadically for the last couple years, hopefully we will not loose this cultivar if it ever goes into gregarious flowering. Read When Bamboo Flowers to learn more about this.
Chinese name:
Haugan-zaozhu