Mine has seen lows of 13 and 14F (on different winters) without damage. This is a very beautiful bamboo with an almost horsetail-like whorl of many branchlets at each mode. Its 10 feet high so far.

In the past anything hardy to only 10F would get nailed most sites not on/near the waterfront. When I was in the rhododendron society in the 70s such were called California Specials or Tender, beyond the reach of those on the East Side.

The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden near Federal Way has grown a nice Borinda. Don't know its current condition. Think this specimen has been shown on the Bamboo Garden (Portland, OR) web site.

B. fungosa fried recently on Camano Island, only the leaves at the tips of culms that bent down under the snow remaining fresh. It grew rapidly and quickly overwhelmed the nook it was stuck into, in front of a greenhouse where it was hoped heat escaping through the glass would help it.

Mike, hello, I think I know you from another life. You know me by my real name. Yes, it's a beautiful bamboo, I can tell even from my wee little seedling. Vigorous too.

bboy, I think it's possibly the hardiest of the Borindas. Perhaps the northernmost? Reputedly from Szechuan (I think it's been found in habitat) although it arrived by way of a Japanese garden.

I did see a "before" and "after" photograph of a Borinda that defoliated in Oregon after a bad winter--but leafed out nicely the following spring. Don't remember which species it was or how cold it had gotten.

>>When I was in the rhododendron society in the 70s such were called California Specials or Tender

Harold Greer flamed me royally for claiming that I have grown Rhododendron edgeworthii outdoors for many years in Seattle. Temps below 15F are rare this side of the lake and always have been, except in 1955 when they hit around 9F. I left the Yahoo Rhododendron list and never came back. I was tired of the constant arguments about the "correct" classification of various species that struck me as being arbitrary--and being called a liar was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I actually have a Rhododendron nuttallii outdoors. Not the best place for it but I have no choice as it has gotten too big to bring inside (and my house is too small anyway). Not recommended. I looks tired after the last freeze, but did survive.

There was a couple that lived near the Fauntleroy ferry dock that grew tender rhododendrons as well. Right there by the Sound it was quite mild most of the time. He would bring trusses of things like 'Cornish Cross' to meetings, had an assortment of Edgeworthia and Maddenia rhododendrons going.

I got a Borinda Boliana from Boo Shoot Gardens this year - one gallon size. I am curious how fast your has grown - trying to figure out what to expect for the next couple of years. Mine gets part sun / part shade where it is at.

On the North California coast(70 miles south of Oregon border) I planted a nice 7 gallon plant in a 30 gallon container and as soon as it shot the first time it was over 20 feet high. Definatly the fastest grower I have on the cool foggy coast, must remind it of it's china mountain home.