Phyllostachys aurea ‘Koi'

Phyllostachys aurea ‘Koi’, Phyllostachys aurea 'Koi' is a gorgeous, golden running bamboo with green stripes, offering a more colorful and decorative alternative to standard Golden Bamboo — but needs management if planted in open ground.

The name 'Koi' comes from the Japanese koi fish, known for their brilliant colors and striped patterns, which mirrors the beautiful striping on the bamboo's culms.

Size:

  • Height: Typically 15–25 feet tall

  • Spread: Can spread widely if not contained (running rhizomes)

  • Form: Upright with graceful arching at the tips

  • Growth Rate: Fast-growing in favorable conditions

Light Requirements

  • Full Sun to Part Shade:

    • Best coloration in full sun

    • Tolerates some shade, but culms may stay more green

Growth Habit:

  • Culms (canes):

    • New shoots emerge green and turn to golden-yellow with green striping as they mature

    • Distinctive feature: Vertical green striping on otherwise golden culms — like the shimmering patterns of a koi fish (hence the name!)

  • Nodes: Often display Phyllostachys aurea’s typical compressed nodes ("tortoise shell" or "bulging" look) near the base

  • Leaves:

    • Narrow and lance-shaped

    • Bright medium green, providing a lush canopy

Why Choose Koi?

  • Green-on-gold striping: More ornamental than standard Phyllostachys aurea

  • Color develops better with good sun exposure

  • Compressed internodes: Creates a chunky, decorative look on

    lower canes

  • Privacy screens (fast and dense!)

  • Hardy to about USDA Zone 7 (~0°F / -17°C)

  • Can survive light freezes; may die back in extreme cold but regrows from roots

  • Drought tolerant once well established