Fargesia murielae
Umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
Also known as Thamnocalamus spathaceus, Fargesia spathacea, Arundinaria murielae, Sinarundinaria murielae
- Height × spread
- 4m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
Availability
Generally available in Spring, Summer & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This handsome bamboo is very hardy, and only expands its clump slowly. The young leaves are a pleasing bright green. The canes, too, start green and mature to yellow green or brown. These have an upright growth, and the foliage fans out in a pleasing manner. It is useful as a specimen in a lawn, where it can be contained by mowing, and it also makes an excellent screen. This species grows to around 4m (13ft) high and will spread around 1.3m (4ft) over a ten year period.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.3m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court
- 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
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bird attraction
- Walls
- North, East facing
- Maintenance
- 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
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Fargesia murielae 'Jumbo'
Umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
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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