Phyllostachys rubromarginata Reddish bamboo

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo because of the reddish colour of the new shoots. This running bamboo is tall and upright. It tends to spread very quickly, ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.

The Reddish Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius making it one of the cold-tolerant Phyllostachys bamboos to grow in the cold Winter areas of the UK and US.

The stunning new reddish shoots are a standout feature of this tall running bamboo.

It definitely requires root barriers or elevated beds to contain it from spreading.

General description

• Name: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, Reddish Bamboo, Red Margin Bamboo
• Foliage: Evergreen.
• Culm: Upright green canes, reddish new shoots.
• Height: 6 – 7m, upright.
• Spread Running bamboo, very invasive.

Growth requirement

• Site:  Part shade to full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil.
• Hardiness: – 20 degrees Celsius, hardy bamboo.
• Use: Fast privacy screening, tall hedge, container plant, individual plant – low maintenance plant but invasive.

Grow bamboo Phyllostachys rubromarginata (Reddish bamboo)

Cultivate in contained spaces: The Phyllostachys rubromarginata can grow to 7 metres and spread very quickly. It may not grow to its maximum height and spread when grown in contained spaces.

Use large heavy-duty container pots to grow this tall Phyllostachys bamboo.

Note that the new shoots in the second, third and successive years will be reasonably taller than the first shoots. So, do not be surprised if your Phyllostachys rubromarginata is taller than an average Phyllostachys bamboo in the container pots.

This running bamboo will definitely require repotting within 3 – 5 years.

Cultivate in the garden: The Phyllostachys rubromarginata’s evergreen foliage, tall stems, elongated branches and thick covers are great for dense hedges and screens

Perhaps it is important to note that the Phyllostachys rubromarginata (Reddish bamboo ) is an invasive bamboo, therefore building a bamboo barrier prior to planting it in the garden is the best thing to do.

Like the other running bamboos, the Reddish bamboo prefers well-drained, moist soil.

Read about the Best Soil for Growing Running and clumping Bamboos.

How to propagate Reddish Bamboo?

In the UK, many growers use Rhizome Cuttings to propagate the running bamboo successfully. You can also use Culm Cuttings or Bamboo Seeds to propagate Phyllostachys rubromarginata.

Seeds are often hard to find because bamboos rarely flower. If you are lucky to have a rare bamboo seed, take extra care to grow them.

This How to Grow Bamboo from Seeds Step-by-step Guide will help you to grow bamboo from seeds successfully.

Bamboo care: thin, prune, mulch, fertiliser and slug attack

Bamboos, like other plants, will require attention to grow well. Below are the 5 bamboo care and maintenance tips and best practices for growing healthy bamboos.

The tips are important when growing large running bamboos like the Phyllostachys rubromarginata (Reddish bamboo), especially in the garden.

Thinning bamboo

Thinning bamboo plants once or twice a year to promote new growths and keep the plant under control. Selectively trim the old culms that you do not want within the bamboo grove. In fact, the new shoots will produce a spectacular reddish colour after thinning.

Pruning bamboo

Pruning bamboo is intensive work compared to thinning bamboo. Dig and remove the parts of the bamboo that have outgrown the allocated space. This is an ideal time to take the bamboo divisions for replanting.

Mulching bamboo

Mulch is a highly recommended care and maintenance job. It keeps the soil moist and protects the bamboo from frost and frozen soils. The bamboo leaves are fantastic mulch since they contain silicon which is naturally high in nitrogen.

In addition, tree barks or other organic mulch rich in moisture are good for bamboo plants.

The best time for mulching is early in Spring before the new bamboo shoots come out; or late in Autumn when you expect cold Winter.

Fertilising bamboo

Bamboos do not need fertilisers regularly, but the old plants will benefit from the added nutrients. Add fertiliser to plants that are older than 5 years at least once a year.

The NPK fertilisers or any that is high in nitrogen are ideal options.

Protect bamboo from slugs

The large bamboos are pretty tolerant to pests, however, slugs will eat the tender shoots and leaves.

If you are planting a new Phyllostachys rubromarginata or expecting fresh growth in Spring, add Slug and Snail Pellets to protect them.

Where to Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK?

The Phyllostachys Rubromarginata has a distinctive slender and upright growing habit and hardy to -20 degrees Celsius.

This bamboo is probably one of the best choices for large pots, tall garden hedges or quick natural privacy screens.

It is also an ideal bamboo for landscapers, homeowners or gardeners who want fast-growing, thick and tall bamboo.

Here are some options for Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK. Click on the image to find out more about the bamboo plants and where to buy them.

Choices of Running Bamboo Plants

Tall Garden Hedging Bamboo Click of the 'image' for more info.

Phyllostachys vivax aureocaulis (also called Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo or Golden Cane Bamboo) Height: 10 - 12m, upright Spread: 4 - 6m, Running bamboo

Golden Groove Bamboo Spectabilis (Showy Golden Bamboo Groove 'Spectabilis') Height: 6 - 8m, Tall bamboo Spread: 2 - 5m, Running bamboo

Phyllostachys bissettii (Green bamboo, David Bisset’s Bamboo)

Phyllostachys bambusoides (Madake, Giant Timber bamboo, Japanese Timber Bamboo) Height: 15 – 20m, Tall upright bamboo Spread: 5 – 7m, Running bamboo

Phyllostachys edulis, Phyllostachys pubescens, Moso Bamboo, Tortoise-shell Bamboo Height: 8 – 10m, tall arching bamboo Spread: 5 - 8m, running bamboo

Bamboos similar to Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Finding the tall Phyllostachys Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be challenging. Therefore, we list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the ‘Phyllostachys rubromarginata’.

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use. Details for each bamboo can be found through the links provided, click for more information.

1. Phyllostachys Parvifolia Running Bamboo
2. Phyllostachys flexuosa Sinuate Bamboo
3. Edulis Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys Pubescens
4. Giant Phyllostachys Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides
5. Black Bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra

All in all, Phyllostachys rubromarginata is a fantastic bamboo for privacy screens and fast-growing hedging. Root barriers are necessary for growing this bamboo.

At G.B.P, our goal is to provide the right information for selecting the right bamboo to grow in the garden and in pots and containers.

We also offer bamboo growers’ tips and guides on how to look after your bamboo plants. You can see our work on Bamboo Care and Maintenance here.