Who can be bothered with plain old green Bamboo when this splendid variegated selection is available? Not only is it magnificently beautiful with up to 5 colors present at once, it even tolerates indoor growth, so you can pot it up in something very sturdy and enjoy it in the bright, direct sun of the living room!x Hibanobambusa 'Shiroshima' is an intergeneric hybrid, a cross of Sasa veitchii x Phyllostachys nigra f henonis. Its foliage is nearly a foot long but just 1 1/4 inch wide, giving it a very elegant look, and it remains striped in white and cream year-round. If grown in strong sun, it will also add streaks and flashes of red and purple tones, especially round the edges and at the tip of the leaves. Fantastic coloration, especially when the setting sun (or a well-placed light) backlights the foliage!
Reaching 10 feet tall and spreading at a moderate rate, this Bamboo is hardy to 0 degrees F and content in zone 7a and farther south. To prevent it spreading too far, consider growing it in a large container or within the confines of strong barriers, such as a sunken concrete wall. It is a truly magnificent plant, and quite hard to find. Beyond sunshine and enough water to get its root system established, it asks for very little maintenance, and the canes are spectacular for cut arrangements. Consider making it a part of your permanent landscape or indoor garden this season. Zones 7a-9.
