About
A dense, slow-growing, clump-forming bamboo about 4m tall, with canes powdery white, then becoming glossy dark green spotted purple. Variegated leaves are striped white or all white, becoming yellow-green in the summer, then darker in autumn and winter.
About the genus
Fargesia are compact, densely clump-forming evergreen bamboos with slender arching canes and several small branches at each node bearing copious narrow leaves
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBamboos
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture retentive soil, for best variegation grow in partial shade or full shade. Suited to container cultivation. See bamboo cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming
PropagationPropagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from slugs on new growth
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free