Phyllostachys vivax MacClure - Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo

Phyllostachys vivax 'MacClure' is a giant bamboo that is rarely found in cultivation where it is often confused with other clones. This one, recognizable by its almost black young shoots, appears to be the most cold-resistant. With remarkable vigour, it develops culms as wide as poles adorned with a beautiful emerald green colour highlighted by white rings, and lush, flexible, and well-furnished evergreen foliage. This trailing variety allows for the rapid establishment of a remarkable bamboo forest or hedge. This wonderful bamboo thrives in moist soil, in the sun, in a sheltered location away from strong winds because its thin-walled culms are brittle. 

Native to eastern China, in the Henan and Zhejiang provinces, as well as Japan, Phyllostachys vivax is a vigorous bamboo with a highly rapid growth even in cold climates. It belongs to the family of Poaceae (or grasses), it is a kind of giant grass with woody stems.

The 'MacClure' cultivar was introduced to Europe in 1981. It is endemic to Chinese provinces, specifically the south of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, and the south of Yunnan province. Its hardiness is estimated at -18/-20°C for a short period.

This bamboo shows an initially arched and then upright habit over time, and its canes bear beautifully trailing leafy branches. The stump produces numerous shoots covered with a strongly marbled black sheath. These shoots release culms or canes with a diameter of 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in), with a relatively thin and not very resistant wall to strong winds and the weight of vegetation when laden with snow. They are capable of growing several centimetres per day to reach a height of 7, 12 or even 15m. Each culm is slightly channelled, emerald green in colour, marked by white bloom rings just below the nodes. Older culms take on a grey, rusty, or yellow-green colouration. The evergreen foliage is composed of beautiful, pendant lanceolate leaves, tapering at their tips, 16cm (6in) long and 1.5cm (1in) wide. Their colour evolves from bluish-green to bright and vibrant green, slightly glossy. In case of snowfall, remember to clear the culms by shaking them, as the weight could cause them to bend and break at ground level. 

A true star of Asian-inspired gardens, giant bamboo suits many styles, from contemporary to exotic, including natural gardens or water gardens. Planted en masse, it allows for the rapid creation of very exotic forests, and its graphic design brings verticality to the decor. Its fast growth makes it an excellent candidate for concealing an unsightly view, especially when planted in fertile and moist soil. It is so striking that you can plant it as a solitary clump. However, its unique style can sometimes be difficult to blend in a mass planting. For example, try combining it in an exotic setting with Gunnera manicata or Hosta 'Big Daddy', or certain palms in a more well-drained soil. Bamboos complement each other very well, so choose varieties with differently coloured culms. They are always perfect near water features as they seek coolness. A large avenue lined on both sides with 'MacClure' giant bamboos will simply become a royal avenue.

The young shoots of this bamboo are edible and highly prized by gastronomes. However, it is necessary to boil them for a long time to remove bitterness before consuming.