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Fargesia nitida

Chinese fountain bamboo

An evergreen bamboo forming a dense clump of upright to arching, purple-flushed green canes to 4m high, with slender, delicate, dark green leaves to 9cm in length

Other common names
fountain bamboo
Synonyms
Semiarundinaria nitida
Arundinaria nitida
see moreSinarundinaria nitida
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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 Purple Green
Summer Green Purple Green
Autumn Green Purple Green
Winter Green Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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

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. Suited to container cultivation. See bamboo cultivation Some bamboos can become invasive – for more information, read our advice on bamboo control

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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • 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

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