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japanese bamboo plant

The Japanese bamboo plant is an elegant and versatile feature for any New Zealand garden. Highly prized for its lush foliage, graceful canes, and rapid growth, Japanese bamboo brings a touch of tranquillity to both contemporary landscapes and traditional garden designs. Whether you want to create a living privacy screen, add height and movement to mixed borders, or seek an exotic statement for patio pots, the Japanese bamboo plant delivers beauty, resilience, and ease of care.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus plant with variegated foliage.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Pleioblastus viridistriatus is a striking ornamental bamboo admired for its vibrant green and yellow striped foliage. The colourful leaves create year round interest and bring texture, movement, and brightness to garden spaces. This low growing bamboo forms dense clumps that are ideal for adding contrast and structure to landscape designs.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
bambusa-golden-goddess-bamboo-

Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' (Bamboo)

5 from 1 customers

Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' is a beautiful clumping bamboo prized for its lush golden green foliage, upright growth, and non invasive habit. It brings a tropical feel to New Zealand gardens while remaining easy to manage.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Large Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) plants growing in clumps beside a path.
Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the more elegant and interesting bamboo varieties. It features erect, black stems that...

From$387.55
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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Lucky Bamboo plants with lush, green foliage.
Dracaena sanderiana

Dracaena sanderiana, commonly known as Lucky Bamboo, is a stunning indoor plant grown for its lovely form and lush foliage. The fresh green leaves...

From$50.99
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Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
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Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
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Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' specimen tree with colourful dark red foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

From$299.95
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Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim' is a compact Japanese Maple prized for its dense upright habit, fresh green foliage, and brilliant coral red stems that...

From$399.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$299.95
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Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings...

From$270.40
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0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
Pleioblastus viridistriatus

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Bambusa, and Clianthus, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search japanese bamboo plant

Why Choose the Japanese Bamboo Plant?

Opting for a Japanese bamboo plant is an inspired choice for gardeners who appreciate form, structure, and year-round interest. Bamboos are celebrated for their fast growth, making them perfect for quick results in new gardens or to boost privacy from neighbours. Many Japanese bamboo varieties are well-suited to New Zealand’s climate, thriving in both mild coastal regions and cooler inland settings. Their elegant, evergreen appearance makes them a superb backdrop for flowering shrubs or as a central feature in Asian-themed garden designs.

For similar bamboo varieties, you might like the striking Bambusa 'Wang Tsai' (Bamboo), known for its upright habit, or the vibrant Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr' (Bamboo) with distinctive striped stems. The delicate and refined Bambusa Golden Goddess is another favourite among Kiwi gardeners.

Planting and Care

When planting a Japanese bamboo plant, choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Bamboos generally appreciate regular watering during dry spells, especially while establishing, but are surprisingly tolerant once settled in. Mulching will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. These plants love a rich, organic soil—adding compost at planting time encourages vigorous growth.

While Japanese bamboo species are prized for their attractive appearance, it’s worth considering whether you want a clumping or running variety in your garden. Clumping types, like many featured in our bamboo collection, are well-behaved and won’t spread aggressively. If you’re interested in a dramatic black-stemmed specimen, Phyllostachys nigra offers stunning contrast for architectural planting schemes.

Perfect Companions for Japanese Bamboo

To create a lush, dynamic landscape, pair your Japanese bamboo plant with complementary foliage plants. The bold, glossy leaves of Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) echo the broad-leafed elegance often found in Japanese gardens, while ferns and ornamental grasses soften hard lines and add layers of interest. For a serene look, combine bamboo with water features, stones, and simple planting schemes to evoke the tranquillity of traditional Zen gardens.

Add Structure and Serenity to Your Garden

Planting a Japanese bamboo plant is more than a horticultural decision—it’s a way to transform your outdoor space with living architecture. Bamboos offer shelter for wildlife, are wonderful for screening, and require minimal upkeep compared to hedges or timber structures. Explore our selection of Bambusa 'Wang Tsai' (Bamboo), Bambusa Golden Goddess, or Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr' (Bamboo) to discover the ideal bamboo for your garden—each with its own unique colour and character.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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