Fargesia
Fountain bamboo
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 4m × 0.8m – 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are relatively compact bamboos that are popular in gardens. They are usually quite hardy and many forms have attractive canes, are fairly domestic in character and can be contained with a barrier so they don't exceed their allotted boundaries. At the present time there may be as many as 80 species allocated to the genus Fargesia. The hardiest forms are considered to be Fargesia nitida and Fargesia murielae. Included in this genus are Fargesia dracocephala that is eaten by giant Pandas. The cultivar names of some forms have an exotic twist, such as 'White Dragon', 'Simba' and 'Vampire'. Perhaps bamboos bring a touch of the wild or untamed to the garden. Note: Bamboos have been subject to a great many name changes. Plants that originally belonged to 'Fargesia' have been assigned to genus Thamnocalamus and genus Sinarundinaria, and then reassigned to 'Fargesia'. This can sometimes cause confusion when examining plant labels which may refer to other incarnations of the same plant.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube, Fan
- Height
- 1.5m – 4m
- Spread
- 0.8m – 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Structural, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed bamboo in pots
For bamboos in pots, it may be easier to feed the plant with a liquid fertiliser diluted in water. Stand the pot on a saucer or tray while the feed in water is absorbed by the plant. This may also help to revive bamboos that cannot be repotted.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring · Planting
Prune bamboo to thin the plant
Remove some of the old canes cutting them off at ground level.
The plant is more attractive if canes are spaced out, rather than crammed together.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Found in
More Fargesia
Fargesia murielae
Umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
Fargesia murielae 'Jumbo'
Umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
Fargesia rufa
Farges' rufus bark bamboo
Fargesia angustissima 'One Boo™ Silkleaf'
Narrow leaf bamboo
Fargesia jiuzhaigou 'Honey Guide®'
Chinese fountain bamboo
Fargesia jiuzhaigou 'Red Dragon'
Chinese fountain bamboo
Fargesia murielae 'Bimbo'
Umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
Fargesia murielae 'Moontears'
Umbrella bamboo