The genus Bamboo fargesia includes more than 80 different species of bamboo, which are often simply sold as garden bamboo in this country. Some fargesias can grow up to six meters high, others are content with a height of 1.5 m.
What are the most famous Bamboo Fargesia varieties?
The most popular bamboo Fargesia varieties are the dark green umbrella bamboo Fargesia nitida (up to 3 m, shade and frost tolerant), the red “Chinese Wonder” (up to 4 m, bright red stalks, sunny location) and the undemanding Fargesia murielae (good soil tolerance).
Since fargesias are hardy and do not form rhizomes, they are very popular as garden plants. They do not overgrow the entire garden in an uncontrolled manner, as can happen with rhizomatous bamboo species, and they survive frost down to -25 °C quite well.
“Chinese Wonder”
You can get a red bamboo from plant shops under the name “Chinese Wonder”. The intense red colored stalks of this species not only give it its name but are also very decorative. Under optimal growing conditions, the stalks continue to grow in the second year and can easily double their length.
In cool regions it grows very upright and can reach a height of up to 4 m. In milder climates it grows more like a fountain and doesn't get quite as tall. Red bamboo prefers a sunny to partially shaded garden spot. The more sun it gets, the more intensely colored the stalks become.
The Muriel Bamboo
The Muriel bamboo (Bambus fargesia murielae) grows particularly quickly and tolerates almost any soil. It is also considered to be particularly undemanding and easy to care for. This variety is therefore particularly suitable for beginners.
Fargesia nitida
The Fargesia nitida or dark green umbrella bamboo is ideal for planting in a garden pond or as a solitary plant. It doesn't like a full sun location but prefers shade or partial shade and a place protected from the wind. When fully grown it reaches a height of around three meters. The stalks of Fargesia nitida are initially green with white flour, but with age they become dark and bluish black. However, the black bamboo is a completely different plant.
Interesting varieties of bamboo fargesia:
- Fargesia nitida: Dark green umbrella bamboo, height up to 3 m, tolerates shade and frost down to -28 °C
- “Chinese Wonder”: Red bamboo, up to 4 m high, bright red stalks, sunny location if possible
- Fargesia murielae: very undemanding and well tolerated by soil
Tip
Always choose your bamboo to suit the location so you can enjoy your plants for longer.
