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Fargesia robusta
  • RHS AGM

robust Chinese fountain bamboo

A tough, evergreen bamboo forming dense clumps of deep blue-green canes to 4m tall, becoming paler as they mature, with creamy-white sheaths. Leaves are green and blue-green beneath and 15cm long

Synonyms
Borinda scabrida misapplied
Fargesia scabrida misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue Cream Green Blue
Summer Green Blue Cream Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue Cream Green Blue
Winter Green Blue Cream Green Blue
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Fargesia are compact, densely clump-forming evergreen bamboos with slender arching canes and several small branches at each node bearing copious narrow leaves

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown 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

Propagation

Divide established clumps or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

No pruning required but if necessary remove 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

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs which can attack young shoots

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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