About

A medium-sized, upright, thick evergreen clump of dark red to yellow stems which turn burgundy red to black as they mature, and large, wide green foliage. Ideal for an informal screen or hedge or as a specimen plant in a pot or container.

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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeBamboos
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationTolerant of sun and wind but best in fertile, moisture retentive soil, in partial shade. In a container grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis during the growing season. See bamboo cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring. 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 slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free