Golden Crookstem bamboo with black lilyturf: Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ underplanted with Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
Crooked banana-yellow canes rise up gracefully from a mat of low-growing black grass in this simple lesson in restraint. The discreet underplanting of Ophiopogon (which reaches a maximum height of only about 20cm) does not choke the strong architectural statement of the canes but, rather, highlights the simple beauty of the coloured canes against the dark ground cover.
Despite the simplicity of its appeal, this combination has been carefully composed – just like a minimalist painting – with careful pruning.
The plant combination works equally well in a border or a pot.