Red Margin Bamboo

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is a vigorous and cold-hardy bamboo that is highly valued for its speed of growth and the beauty of its new shoots. The name comes from the distinct reddish-pink margins found on the culm sheaths of new growth in the spring. It is a tall species, capable of reaching 6 to 9 metres in height, making it one of the best choices for high-level windbreaks and screens in large UK gardens. The culms are a soft, matte green with long internodes, and the wood is surprisingly strong, often used for crafts. It is exceptionally hardy (H6) and is known to be more wind-tolerant than many other Phyllostachys. This is a running bamboo with a vigorous nature; it requires significant space and a robust root barrier in domestic settings. It thrives in full sun, which helps the red margins on the sheaths stand out. It is also one of the best producers of edible bamboo shoots, which emerge in late spring.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Any fertile, moist soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.