Fargesia nitida
Chinese fountain bamboo
F. nitida is an elegant bamboo forming a compact clump of erect to arching, purple-flushed green canes to 4m high, with slender leaves to 9cm in length and dark green
Other common names
fountain bambooBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Green Purple | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- N China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture retentive soil in partial or light dappled shade with shelter from cold, dry winds. In a container grow in a loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis during the growing season
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
- Patio and container plants
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
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
Slugs may damage new shoots
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.