About

Borinda papyrifera is a robust, clump-forming bamboo that can reach heights of up to 7 meters. Young canes exhibit a powdery blue-grey hue, transitioning to olive green as they mature, and are adorned with prominent silvery-buff sheaths. Initially upright, the canes begin to arch as the wide, evergreen leaves emerge.

About the genus

Borinda is a group of evergreen bamboos that grow in clumps and are characterized by their canes or branches, which often display longitudinal ridges. The leaves are soft and have a matte finish.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Bamboos
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Patio and container plants
Native to
China (Yunnan)

Care notes

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 peat-free, loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. See bamboo cultivation
Pruning
Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free