Changes in total phenolic content (TP) and total antioxidant capacity (AC) during the vegetation period (April-November) were analysed in Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis (PAA), P. flexuosa (PF), P. humilis (PH), P. sulphurea var. sulphurea (PSS). Different extraction methods were compared: infusion or decoction with water or aqueous methanol. The highest significant value for TP was measured in the case of infusion at 90 °C for 5 min, which lead to the highest value for AC. During the vegetation period the highest values of TP were measured in April and May in the case of PAA (409.5; 314.9 and 258.7; 119.0 µg GA/ml) and PH (388.4; 411.6 and 252.9; 253.3 µg GA/ml). There was a clear trend in the changes of TP, with high values in April and November and a peak during August-September. Similar to TP, the highest values of AC were measured in April and May in PH (519.7; 566.3 and 513.5; 510.4 µg AA/ml) and PAA (534.5; 337.8 and 394.9; 275.4 µg AA/ml). We compared the change of TP in all taxa with stress index values derived from daily maximum and minimum air temperature, cumulative precipitation plus irrigation and cumulative evapotranspiration values. A close correlation R 2 = 0.32 (p=0.001) was found between stress index values and the change in TP of all taxa. The correlation is even closer R 2 = 0.52 (p=0.001) with PF, PH and PSS. Our results with PAA can be explained by possible inter/intra-specific differences in freeze tolerance and cold-acclimation.