Golden Square Stem Bamboo

Chimonobambusa quadrangularis ‘Suow’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8b-11a(8a?) Find Your Zone

Type: Semi-Clumping

Height: 10-15′ in Zone 8b, 20-25′ in Zones 11

Spread: 10’+ with no control

Culm Diameter: 1 to 1.5″ diameter

Sun: Full Sun or Part Shade

Soil: Average, Moist but Well-drained

Growth Rate: Fast

Salt Tolerance: Moderate, Salt Air

Description

Excellent indoors or outdoors, Chimonobambusa quadrangularis ‘Suow’ is a very rare selection of Square Bamboo because its canes are golden striped with green for a very interesting look. The somewhat square canes will be a brighter golden with more sun or a creamy golden in in partial shade. In more sun the canes will often take on reddish blush. It’s strong and very upright 1 to 1.5 inch diameter and uniquely colored canes and it’s beautiful foliage make this one an excellent focal point plant in containers or in garden beds.

Planted in the ground, the Golden Square Stem Bamboo is a vigorous running bamboo but does very well in containers and is one of the few bamboo species that will grow indoors, just be sure to give it plenty of light and water it consistently. For those of you who live north of USDA Zone 8, where the Golden Square Stem Bamboo will not survive winters outdoors, grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during the colder winter months.

The new shoots are edible and the canes are great for making unique crafts and furniture construction. It tolerates sea breezes with some protection and will grow in full sun in cooler climates but we think it looks it’s best with some afternoon shade or filtered sun in warmer climates.

The lush foliage of Golden Square Stem Bamboo consists of large gracefully draping dark leaves that grow very dense and form an excellent privacy hedge, especially because the canes grow very straight with long side branches. When grown in large containers the branches add several feet to the width on all sides and one 15 gallon plant can completely block an area five or more feet wide. The foliage is arranged in attractive tiers, creating a waterfall effect, or an umbrella shape if topped. In Zone 8 you might expect plants to grow 10 to 15 feet tall at maturity and 20 to 25 feet in Zone 9 through 11.

Note: Some canes might come up green, with or without the yellow coloration. Green canes can be cut down to soil level if an all-yellow look is desired.

Landscape & Other Uses

Containers/Pots: Excellent

Crafts: Excellent

Edible: Yes

Hedge: Excellent

Indoor: Good – PLEASE SEE: How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

Ornamental: Good

Privacy Screen: Excellent

Wood Quality: Good

Growing Preferences

Square Stem Bamboo is very easy to grow when planted in the right spot. It looks best in part shade where leaves are dark green. Leaves exposed to bright afternoon sun are lighter green. Prefers a consistently moist but not wet soil of average fertility. Cold hardy to 10-15°F.

How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

Square Stem Bamboo is a running bamboo, which means it spreads to form a large colony if not controlled. It can be controlled by mowing or stepping on the young shoots. Keep in mind that running bamboo only puts up new shoots for a short time each year and, when they are “shooting,” the new plants are very fragile and easy to destroy. Root pruning or installing Bamboo Root Barrier are other methods to control spread.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Bamboo plants.

How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

How To Plant Bamboo Plants In The Ground

How To Plant Bamboo Plants In Containers & Pots

How To Fertilize And Water Bamboo Plants

How To Prune Bamboo Plants

How To Stop The Spread Of Bamboo Plants

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