Fargesia murielae Blue Lizard ('Japo 72'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
umbrella bamboo [Blue Lizard]

Synonyms

Fargesia murielae 'Japo 72'PBR
Fargesia murielae Blue Dragonscale

Bamboos

An upright and vigorous but non-invasive clump-forming bamboo with younger stems emerging bright blue in the spring turning darker as they mature. Dense green narrow foliage makes this an ideal choice for an informal screen to cover a wall or fence

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Tolerant 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

Propagation

Propagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free