Borinda fungosa

chocolate bamboo

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Leaves: lime to mid-green
• Canes: green, turning reddish in sunnier spots
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  New canes emerge in early summer, upright at first, but becoming more arching under the weight of the unfurling, light to mid-green leaves. When grown in sunnier spots, the canes will slowly turn shades of rich chocoalte-red, thus creating a wonderful contrast to the foliage. Formerly listed as a Fargesia, it is a larger and more vigorous form and has been reclassified. It is still very rare here in the UK, so it should appeal to aficionados and plant collectors.
  
  
• Garden care: Do not allow to dry out while the plant is getting established. Protect from cold, drying winds.