Matt's 9b field note
“Yellow culms with a green stripe — the 'lemon' form.”
Background
In the nursery trade, 'Asian Lemon Bamboo' is sold as Bambusa eutuldoides 'Viridivittata' (syn. var. viridivittata), imported from China where it was prized as an ornamental. Matt's latin is recorded as Bambusa spp., so the eutuldoides 'Viridivittata' identity is a trade-listing inference, not verified for his plant.
Distinguishing traits
Clumping bamboo with brilliant lemon-yellow canes carrying random dark-green stripes; new shoots emerge with a pink/peach blush. Matures ~25 ft with 1-1.5 in thick-walled culms and small leaves; foliage can be held low for a bushy hedge. Upright, colorful screening bamboo.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Reports vary: ~15°F per some US nurseries, ~21°F per Tropical Bamboo (zone 8b). Safely hardy in zone 9b; regrows from roots after harder freezes.
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat tolerant; full sun gives the brightest yellow color, though light afternoon shade helps in 120°F heat.
- Water
- Moderate once established; more water equals lusher growth.
- Soil
- Well-drained soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soils.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; color is best in sun.
Where to buy
- Jolly Green Nursery
- Tropical Bamboo