Golden Hair Bamboo

This is one of the most colourful ground-cover bamboos available for British gardeners. It forms a dense, low-growing mound (usually under 1 metre) of stunning, bright yellow-and-green variegated leaves. The leaves are velvety to the touch and keep their colour best when grown in a sunny position; in too much shade, they tend to turn fully green. It is a running bamboo, but its small stature makes it easier to manage than larger species, and it can be used effectively for bank stabilization or as a vibrant edge to a large border. Every few years, it is beneficial to cut the entire plant back to ground level in late winter to encourage fresh, vividly coloured new growth in the spring. It is very hardy (H5) and thrives in most soil types as long as they don't dry out completely in summer. A great choice for injecting a splash of light into the garden.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any moist, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.