Red Margin Bamboo
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature culm height of 20-30', with a mature culm diameter of 1-2.5". In China, gets 60' tall, w/ a 3" culm diameter. Grows and spreads quickly via underground rhizomes, creating a tall screen. A very fast grower. One of the fastest-growing bamboos. In Zone 7-10, grows to 50' tall; in Zone 6, gets 20-30' tall; in Zone 5, 12-18' tall.

Native Range

Phyllostachys species are native to China, Burma and India. The Red Margin Bamboo is native to Central China.

Flower and Fruit Details

Usually does not flower. Most Phyllostachys only flower once every 50 years.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Emerald green foliage. Bamboos don't have bark or trunks, they have culms, hollow, jointed stems, sometimes called canes, that grow very fast. New culm sheaths of the Red Margin Bamboo are olive-green w/ a red stripe along the margin. The long culm internodes are dark green.

Culture and Care

Adapts well to full sun or part shade. Tolerates alkaline soils. Hardy to -5°F. Zone 6-10. Very wind-tolerant. Tolerant of salt spray along roadsides or seaside. Also does well in wet, poorly-drained areas. The rapid, aggressive spread can be controlled by installing a rhizome barrier 3' deep & totally encircling the planting, mowing or breaking off stray new culms as they reach 6" tall, or simply planting in a large container. No serious insect or disease pests. Occasional aphids and spider mites possible.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

New shoots are edible. Tolerates strong winds. Makes a taller screen than most bamboos. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. First classified by the Smithsonian in 1940. Culms are tough and splits well. Deer resistant.

Suggested Uses

An excellent choice for landscape use, for a quick bamboo grove, for windbreaks, privacy screening, or containers & patio plants, or for harvesting bamboo shoots, culm wood, and paper pulp. Used for basket-making.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA