Bamboos never look their best in winter because the cold, drying winds will often scorch their leaves. In late spring however, new canes will appear bearing a fresh batch of lush foliage.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This bamboo is unusual in that the leaves are a glossy green throughout the summer, but in the autumn they start to dry out at the margins to create a straw-coloured variegated appearance.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant's spread.