Needmore Bamboo Co.
 
               
         
Phyllostachys rubromarginata - The latin name translates into 'red margin' and this name was given to the species for the markings on the culm leaves of new shoots as visible in the photos below. This bamboo is fairly new in the northern climates having been cultivated mainly in the SE US and the previous hardiness estimates are proving to have been conservative.  I am seeing hardiness equal to Phyllostachys aureosulcata, the most common northern species and this is good news for zone 6 gardeners who want the tallest possible screening bamboo as Rubromarginata may well exceed 30 feet in our climate and I am already seeing culms at 22 feet by 1.25 inch diameter in year 4.
   This bamboo is equal to Phyllostachys bissetii in terms of culm proliferation and spread making it an ideal screening choice.   I really enjoy taking visitors to see the Rubro and showing them the amazing spread in just 4 years from 3 plants.   So many new culms were produced in year 4 that I gave the grove a substantial thinning of nearly all culms from the prior 3 years. Not a choice for small gardens, this one will run like wildfire and chase away feral children and marauding dogs.
   Rubromarginata provides a nice alternative to the dark green Bissetii as the coloration on young culms is a vibrant bright green, eventually fading to a golden-olive color as the culms age.   If you want the tallest screening bamboo, this is the one.