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Borinda papyrifera

paper-bearing borinda

A large, vigorous, clump-forming bamboo with tall, thick, canes to 7m, powdery blue-grey when young, maturing to olive green and with large, conspicuous silvery-buff sheaths. Upright at first, the canes arch over as the broad, evergreen foliage develops

Other common names
blue dragon bamboo
Synonyms
Fargesia papyrifera
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue Grey Silver Green
Summer Green Blue Grey Silver Green
Autumn Green Blue Grey Silver Green
Winter Green Blue Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Borinda are clump-forming evergreen bamboos that typically have longitudinal ridges on the canes or branches and soft, matt leaves

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China (Yunnan)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold, drying winds. In a container grow in a loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. See bamboo cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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