About

Evergreen, clump-forming bamboo producing a tight thicket of thin, lime green upright stems with a hint of blue, maturing to dark red, about 3-4m tall, with fresh green leaves.

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, West-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

CultivationTolerant of sun and wind but best in fertile, moisture retentive soil, in partial shade. Suited to container cultivation. See bamboo cultivation. Some bamboos can become invasive – for more information, read our advice on bamboo control
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 - see bamboo cultivation
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