Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is a species bamboo that is both highly ornamental, accommodating, and highly appreciated for the density of its vegetation. With its very resistant culms, upright habit, and abundant foliage carried in variegated panicles, this running bamboo develops in the manner of clump-forming bamboos, forming large impenetrable clumps, playing its role as a windbreak perfectly. Perfectly cold-hardy, it adapts to all situations and tolerates heavy, poorly drained, or temporarily waterlogged soils. In a hedge, as a solitary clump, in a mass planting, in a grove, or even in a container, this Phyllostachys lacks neither presence, elegance, nor efficiency. In the kitchen, its young shoots are a delicate dish.

Originally from southern China, from the Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, not far from the Vietnam border as well as the region of Hong Kong, Phyllostachys rubromarginata belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a kind of giant grass with woody stems and weakly running rhizomes, which may need to be contained with anti-rhizome barriers. It grows rapidly, with an upright habit that is slightly open and spreading at the foliage level. It produces canes (or culms) densely clustered at the base. These stems are initially purple and pubescent when young, then they take on an incomparably shiny light green colour and are equipped with light green cauline sheaths that become whitish with red-copper margins. At maturity, the culms are a very bright green, they can measure up to 5cm (2in) in diameter and 5 to 7m (16 to 23ft) in height. The foliage of this bamboo is particularly abundant, composed of medium-sized leaves of a light green colour, measuring 9 to 10cm (4in) long and about 1.5 to 1.8cm (1in) wide. It is evergreen, but the leaves fall and regenerate twice a year, mainly in autumn but also in spring. This bamboo has air-filled rhizomes that allow it to adapt to temporarily flooded soils.

Undeniably the star of Asian-inspired gardens, bamboo suits many styles, from the most contemporary to the most exotic, including natural gardens or water gardens. When planted alone, it quickly creates small, very exotic forests, its graphic design brings verticality to the decor. Its rapid growth and density make it an excellent candidate to create an effective and elegant windbreak, especially when planted in fertile and moist soil. Bamboos blend very well together, choose varieties with differently coloured culms. They are always perfect near water features that they appreciate for their freshness. A wide avenue lined on both sides with bamboos will become simply regal. If you install your bamboo on the edge of a body of water, it will be imperative  to install an anti-rhizome barrier to avoid puncturing the impermeable liner of your pond.

The young shoots of this bamboo are edible and highly prized by food lovers. However, it is necessary to boil them for a while before eating them.