About

A large, vigorous, clump-forming bamboo with a large crown and pale green stems which change to very dark red as they mature. Small, narrow green leaves remain all year round. Better for larger gardens and can be gown in a pot or container if thinned out regularly.

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
Height4-8 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
Native toChina (Yunnan)

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade in a sheltered location. 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