Needmore Bamboo Co.
 
                       
         
Hibanobambusa Genus - I really enjoy the 2 forms of this genus - Hibanobambusa tranquillans & H. tranquillans 'Shiroshima'. It is generally believed that this genus is a result of hybridization between Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon' & Sasa veitchii as the 2 forms share characteristics of these 2 bamboos. Both species were in flower in the general area where Hibanobambusa was 'discovered'. To me they greatly resemble the genus Semiarundinaria but until the official word changes I'll go with conventional wisdom.
   Regardless of the proper classification these 2 bamboo are very rewarding to grow. They have the large, wide, palmate leaves of the Sasa combined with thick rhizomes, branching habit and sulcus of Phyllostachys. The form 'Shiroshima' has some of the most attractive variegated leaves among the bamboos and it can be grown in full sun or heavy shade without negatively impacting the variegation. The all green H. tranquillans seems to have larger leaves and establishes more readily but that may be specific to my growing environment. The leaves should hold as temperatures approach the low single digits but damage will occur shortly thereafter. The green form has been one of my most aggressive runners.		  
 
   
   
This photo taken in May 2006 shows the new shoots that developed into the mature culms of the photo directly below. About 50% of the previous years culm height and foliage was burned at +3F in the winter prior to this photo.
   
     
   

This photo was taken in August of 2007, 3 months earlier this patch was clearcut due to 100% winter kill but certainly came back with vigor. This is from one 4 year old plant and the tallest of the new shoots are approaching 8 feet tall.
     
     
   
H. tranquillans 'Shiroshima' - This bamboo has stunning variegation that holds up well in heavy sun. The new shoots often have a hint of lavender coloration and some leaves may nearly be all white.
     
     
     

           A mixed planting of the 2 forms.