Robert Young Bamboo is a sought-after plant valued for its striking appearance and adaptability. It offers a unique aesthetic, fulfilling diverse gardening needs from privacy screens to focal points. Its resilience and distinctive features appeal to gardeners.
Understanding Robert Young Bamboo
Robert Young Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Robert Young’), also known as Phyllostachys viridis ‘Robert Young’ or ‘Sulphurea’, is a prominent running bamboo. Its rhizomes spread horizontally, but it is often less aggressive than other running varieties, sometimes behaving more like a clumping bamboo.
The plant has vibrant golden-yellow culms, often displaying distinctive green sulcus grooves when exposed to ample sunlight. Culms can reach 30 to 45 feet tall and typically measure around 3 inches in diameter. New culms emerge pea-green before maturing into their characteristic golden hue. Robert Young Bamboo is cold hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit (-20.5 degrees Celsius), thriving across a broad range of temperate climates.
Its upright growth and dense foliage make Robert Young Bamboo suitable for privacy screens and living fences. Its ornamental value also makes it an excellent standalone specimen. The robust root system can contribute to erosion control on slopes or in areas susceptible to soil movement.
Planting Robert Young Bamboo
Site selection is important for healthy Robert Young Bamboo. It thrives in full sun, enhancing culm coloration. While it tolerates partial shade, insufficient sunlight may diminish culm color intensity. Adequate air circulation also supports overall vigor.
Robert Young Bamboo prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient availability. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) is suitable for optimal growth. Avoid areas where water collects, as this can lead to root issues.
The most favorable time for planting is spring or early summer, after the last frost. This allows the bamboo to establish its root system in warm soil before cooler temperatures. Fall planting can also succeed in milder climates if the plant has sufficient time to establish before winter.
To plant, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball. Gently remove the bamboo from its container, loosening any circling roots. Position the plant in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with the prepared soil, lightly tamp to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly. For a dense privacy screen, space plants 5 to 10 feet apart; standalone specimens need more generous spacing.
Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for newly planted Robert Young Bamboo, requiring regular watering, especially during dry periods. Once established, the bamboo tolerates varying moisture levels but still benefits from deep watering during prolonged droughts. Monitor soil moisture levels to prevent both overwatering and underwatering.
For vigorous growth and vibrant culm color, Robert Young Bamboo benefits from annual fertilization. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer, or one with higher nitrogen (e.g., 12-25-X NPK), in early spring as new shoots emerge. Organic options like composted manure or bamboo-specific fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning maintains the plant’s appearance and health. Annually remove old, damaged, or dead culms at ground level to encourage new growth and improve air circulation. This practice, often done in late winter or early spring, also highlights attractive new culms. Trim lower branches to expose the culms, enhancing their visual appeal.
As a running bamboo, Robert Young Bamboo can spread. To contain it, install a physical root barrier vertically around the planting area. This barrier, typically sturdy plastic, should be buried 22 to 30 inches deep with a few inches extending above the soil line. Alternatively, mow or cut new shoots emerging outside the desired area at ground level to manage spread.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture, adjust watering, and ensure proper fertilization. If leaves appear lime green or yellow, apply iron to restore their green color.
Culm discoloration, such as reddish-burgundy blotches or a subtle blush, can be a natural pigmentation response, especially on young shoots exposed to full sun or temperature fluctuations. This is not a sign of disease. Stunted growth might suggest environmental stress or inadequate light. Providing optimal growing conditions helps the plant recover its vigor.