This yellow form of Square Bamboo is one of our most interesting ornamental bamboos. It is a very upright grower and makes a good hedge plant for Zone 9 and warmer places. In colder places it is best used as a specimen or container plant that can be moved inside for the winter. In Zone 8 it will sometimes be killed to the ground in very cold winters, but the plant generally recovers in the spring, and even with the occasional die-back is still worthwhile due to its beauty. Its upright habit, colorful culms, and beautiful foliage make it a excellent specimen for a focal point. The culms are somewhat square and the nodes have root thorns which are very interesting. Like many bamboos with yellow culms, 'Suow' often gets a reddish blush when grown in a sunny site. The plant pictured has a slight blush and a green stripe. 'Suow' is quite variable in its color. Some culms will come up green, with or without a yellow stripe. If you wish to keep the plant yellow, just cut the green ones at the soil level.
