Phyllostachys vivax ‘Huanwenzhu’ inversaquick facts:

• Prominent green striped, yellow canes

• Running timber form of bamboo

• Average Seattle-area height: 30-40’+ (in ground)

• 2-5”+ dia canes

• Full sun - partial shade

• Cold hardy and evergreen

• High branching for 2-3 story privacy

Phyllostachys vivax ‘Huangwenzhu’ inversa is a visually striking and attractive form of timber bamboo. Yellow caned bamboos can brighten the area they inhabit and capture the morning and evening sun rays. The prominent, alternating green stripe enhances the exotic appeal and secures its place as a feature-worthy specimen.

All varieties of vivax are capable of producing the tallest and fattest canes in the shortest amount of time. Along with Phyllostachys dulcis, it’s a top choice for growing a compact, large-caned grove in a smaller amount of grow space.

We’re happy to offer recommendations, send a picture of the planting area and brief summary to us at info@bamboocollective.com

See also:

• Ph. vivax

• Ph. vivax ‘Aureocaulis’

Growth habit

Phyllostachys vivax is a running timber bamboo that produces a strong, advantageous root system. Rectangular planters and large pots can be easier routes to a privacy screen vs. installing root barrier in the ground. It’s very important to do some forethought and study or consult a verified local expert before planting running bamboo in the ground.

Precaution aside, Ph. vivax tends to root higher in the ground and pairs well with a mounding/open barrier technique. It has a clump forming tendency and can be maintained with proper semi-annual maintenance.

Whichever size you start with will typically attain 3-4’ of height each year until it becomes limited by the size of the container you plant it in. Larger planting areas beget larger canes. Ph. vivax bamboo takes 4-5 years to attain maximum height. Beginning with a medium sized/mature pot of bamboo will generally get you there a couple years faster.

Depending on your patience vs. urgency to provide a screen, running bamboo plants can be spaced every 3’ - 6’ and will eventually fill in. It takes 3 summers before for a privacy hedge to start filling in, but it’s still among the fastest bamboos in the Puget Sound region to establish and thrive.