Borinda papyrifera CS 1046
A very impressive new introduction collected by Chris Stapleton at an elevation of 3300m. on Mt. Zi Ben Shan, Yunnan, China.
Quickly forms a large non-running clump of closely spaced, blue/grey culms of 5m. or considerably more with a diameter of about 3cm.and quite large leaves. Generous mulching and regular watering will help to achieve the maximum for your location.
Thinning the canes will enhance attractivenes and should be commenced early enough to prevent them becoming overcrowded . A specimen growing in very favourable conditions in Herefordshire has formed a clump of closely packed canes with a spread of 2 to 3 m and an estimated hight of 10/11m.
Great potential for ornamental use as a dramatic specimen plant or screen due to the intense colouration of its younger canes.
Its tolerance of winter temperatures in the UK is still being assessed but so far seems to be quite adequate. Believed to have withstood -15C
Vigorous when planted but slow to propagate and consequently availability is always limited..
Unlikely to be available before 2025
Sometimes sold as ''Blue Dragon'" which may well be produced by micropropagation.
Borinda KR7613 is a very comparable species but with smaller leaves and possibly less tall. (Please see seperate entry )
Other Alternative species:-
Most forms of Borinda have a waxy bloom on their young canes but the intensity of colour varies between species. Other bamboos which have developed good colouration on the nursery are Borinda perlonga, B. KR7662, B.KR7346, B. KR 5287, and Thamnocalamus crassinoda 'Gosainkund'.
Borinda papyrifera KR 3968
This clone was collected by Keith Rushforth at a higher elevation so is expected to be a hardier form but at present its availability will continue to be extremely limited.
New culms are initially tinged with purple.
None available at present.
Borinda KR 7613
(originally listed as Borinda papyracea KR 7613
An outstanding new introduction with great potential.
Collected at 3200m in Caojian, Yunnan by Keith Rushforth and introduced via Ness Botanical Gardens.
A non-ruuning species with culms which are initially blue-grey and should reach a height 18ft.or more. (6m).
Very comparable with Borinda papyrifera and with equally well coloured canes which may possibly be slightly less tall.
Slightly arching habit and fairly small leaves.
Newly emerging shoots have dark red culm sheaths contrasting with the blue grey of the stems.
Culms are closely spaced and the appearance of established clumps will be improved if older canes are thinned to increase visibity of the younger well coloured stems.
Superb as a tall specimen plant with the potentail to be used for screening when sufficient numbers become available.
Appears fully hardy and was very little affected by the severe conditions of 2010.
Limited availability.
Updated 22/9/2024
e-mail:
sales@uk-bamboos.co.uk
Whitelea Nursery, Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire. Telephone: 01629 55010
Updated 7/12/2022