Live Plant — Farm Grown
Golden Hawaiian Bamboo
Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata'
One of the most memorable and outstanding bamboos you can collect — golden culms that look as if they are painted with green stripes. Stunning in any tropical or subtropical landscape.
Mature height
30–50 ft
Culm diameter
2–4 in
USDA zones
9–12
Min. temperature
28 °F
Sunlight
Full sun
Growth habit
Upright, dense clumping
Best uses
About Golden Hawaiian Bamboo
Golden Hawaiian Bamboo is one of the most memorable and outstanding bamboos you can collect. The golden culms look as if they are painted with green stripes — no two culms look exactly alike, and a mature grove in full sun is genuinely spectacular. It is a cultivar of Bambusa vulgaris selected specifically for this extraordinary coloration.
It is a clumping bamboo, forming a dense, upright grove that stays where you plant it. Mature clumps can reach 30–50 feet tall in ideal conditions, with culms 2–4 inches in diameter — substantial enough for use as poles and construction material as well as ornamental display.
The 'Hawaiian' in the common name reflects its widespread cultivation across Hawaii, where it has become a defining feature of tropical landscapes. It performs equally well throughout Florida and other warm, humid regions of the southeastern United States, and is one of the most popular ornamental bamboos we grow.
History & Origin
Bambusa vulgaris is one of the most widely distributed bamboos in the world, with origins in tropical Asia — likely southern China or Indochina. It has been cultivated and naturalized across tropical regions globally for so long that its exact native range is uncertain. The species has been used for construction, food, paper, and crafts across Asia, Africa, and the Americas for centuries.
The 'Vittata' cultivar (from the Latin for 'striped') was selected from the species for its striking golden-and-green coloration. It has been grown in tropical gardens and plantations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific for centuries, and is one of the most widely recognized ornamental bamboos in the world.
In the United States, it became particularly associated with Hawaiian landscapes in the 20th century, leading to the common name 'Golden Hawaiian Bamboo.' It arrived in Florida through the ornamental plant trade and has thrived in the state's warm climate. Note: botanical name listed as Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' — owner to confirm this matches current stock.
Growing Information
Plant Specifications
- Mature height
- 30–50 ft
- Culm diameter
- 2–4 in
- USDA zones
- 9–12
- Min. temperature
- 28 °F (−2 °C)
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Water
- Regular watering; moist, well-drained soil
- Growth habit
- Upright, dense clumping
- Origin
- Tropical Asia (widely naturalized)
Growing Tips
Full sun is essential for the most vivid golden-yellow culm color — shade reduces the intensity of the coloration.
Water regularly and keep soil moist, especially during the first two growing seasons and during Florida's dry season.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage strong new culm production.
Remove old, faded culms to keep the clump looking its best and to showcase the newest, most vividly colored canes.
Protect from frost — this species is sensitive to temperatures below 28 °F. In marginal zones, plant in a sheltered location.
Buy Golden Hawaiian Bamboo
Available in 3-gallon containers, grown on our farm in Wauchula, FL. Pickup only — call ahead to confirm availability. Botanical name listed as Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' — owner to confirm this matches current stock.
Questions? Contact us or call (727) 286-0928