Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Golden Bamboo

Golden Bamboo is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of installing a root barrier for running bamboo before planting in the early stages and paid for it. yellowing leaves from drought or nitrogen deficiency also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a poolside or water feature surrounding planting which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. year-round evergreen screening and architectural presence is visible but muted. cane hardening and leafing out through summer gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.