Fargesia is genus of clumping bamboo which generally prefers color climates as opposed to tropical ones. They are ideally suited for gardens and containers and are excellent as specimens, evergreen screens and shorter privacy barriers. Their well-behaved root systems (rhizomes) do not require containment or or anxiety about taking over the garden.
As members of the grass family, Fargesias benefit greatly from high nitrogen fertilizers (a high first number). Like other grasses, a regular deep watering is also beneficial. Bamboos will indicate their thirst by curling their leaves during the heat of the day. Water if you notice this happening. There are many different varieties of Fargesia but the following are some of our favourites:
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Sunset Glow Bamboo
Fargesia 'rufa'
This well behaved, densely foliaged bamboo is the staple for clumping bamboo plantings. Green culms (Stems) have orange-red sheaths at each node. Sunset Glow is an ideal specimen for smaller gardens and courtyards. Leaves do not curl in the full sun as with some bamboos. Evergreen. Very cold hardy compared to other bamboos. Best in part sun to sun. Stems will ultimately reach 8ft in height. Vigorous, yet only expands a few inches a year. Hardy in zones 6-9
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Blue Fountain Bamboo
Fargesia nitida
Blue Fountain Bamboo has outward arching, slender branches that are exceptionally cold resistant. Dark purplish canes are covered with a blue-white powder when young. Tight clump is vase shaped. Will grow to an ultimate height of 10-12ft with canes reaching half inch in diameter. Grows best in part to full sun in moist but well drained soils.
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Umbrella Bamboo
Fargesia murieliae
Umbrella Bamboo merits high ratings and popularity for its soft pea-green foliage and graceful habit. Leaves are small and thin giving it a very delicate look. Grows to 12ft in height with canes a half inch in diameter. Best in shade to part shade.
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Red Fountain Bamboo
Fargesia nitida ‘Jiuzhaigou’
Red Fountain Bamboo has tiny delicate leaves and soft green canes that turn deep burgundy red. Eventually canes turn yellow. For best can colour, plant in a bright but shaded location. A rare and unusual specimen bamboo. Slow growing to start but worth the wait. Grows to 10ft in height with canes approximately a quarter inch in diameter. Best when grown in part shade in moist, but well drained soils.
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Wolong Bamboo
Fargesia robusta ‘Wolong’
‘Wolong’ is a clumping bamboo from the mountain regions of Sichuan China. A larger than normal leaf attracts even more attention to the creamy white cane sheaths that cover the new canes as they emerge. Foliage is emerald green. Can be grown in sun or shade. Does not roll its foliage in sun as most other Fargesias do. Grows to 11-16ft in height with canes up to 1 inch in diameter.
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Scabrida Bamboo
Fargesia sp. ‘Scabrida’
With larger than average canes ‘Scabrida’ is sure to please. Reddish-orange culm sheaths are accented by rich emerald green leaves. Foliage is longer and thinner than both F. robusta and ‘Rufa’ lending itself to a more open appearance. In cool climates new shoots may take on a blue/purple colour. Mature height is approximately 12-16ft tall with canes nearly an inch in diameter. Can be grown in sun or part sun.
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Ping Wu Bamboo
Fargesia robusta ‘Ping Wu’
This robusta Fargesia is shorter than other selections of Fargesia. It will typically reach only 8ft in height and 2ft in spread. Upright arching stems spread out forming an elegant specimen planting. Best grown in part sun to light shade in moist, but well drained soils. Hardy in zones 7-9.
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Wenchaun Bamboo
Fargesia robusta 'Wenchuan'
'Wenchuan' features reddish-brown sheaths that are arched at their base, stay a long time and provide a nice contrast against the canes. Larger leaves create a more tropical appearance. Best grown in part sun to part shade in moist, but well drained soils. Excellent specimen plant. Has a slightly more open growing habit. It's a vigorous grower, but not quite invasive.
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How to Grow Clumping Bamboo
Plant fargesia in full to part sun in moist, but well drained soils. Water regularly and fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer in spring and perhaps again in early summer. Do not over water. Each year trim away some of the smallest weakest canes at the base, but no more than 1/3 of the total number of canes. For a more tidy appearance, remove foliage from the bottom of the plant to reveal the beauty of the canes.
Arts Nursery carries a large and diverse selection of bamboo including running and clumping varieties. As always call to confirm availability if you are making a special trip as our selection changes frequently. For more information, visit us in person or call 604.882.1201.