Fargesia murielae (Umbrella Bamboo)

A long-cultivated species, Fargesia murielae (Umbrella Bamboo) is an elegant, evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with tall and slender, rich yellow-green canes gently arching under the weight of the foliage. Short and narrow, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), the leaves are bright green on the upper surface, gray-green beneath.

A long-cultivated species, Fargesia murielae (Umbrella Bamboo) is an elegant, evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with tall and slender, rich yellow-green canes gently arching under the weight of the foliage. Short and narrow, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), the leaves are bright green on the upper surface, and gray-green beneath. Fast-growing and cold-tolerant, the leafy stems sway in the slightest breeze and bend but do not break under snow cover. Tough and easy to grow, this non-invasive bamboo adds a unique texture and year-round appeal. Very adaptable, it is regarded as one of the best bamboos for use as a tall hedge or screen. Hardy to -4ºF (-20ºC).

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
  • A part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moisture-retentive soils. Tolerates sun, but the leaves will curl up in strong sunlight.
  • Great choice for hedges and screens, city gardens, along ponds and streams, and containers.
  • Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer resistant.
  • 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.
  • Propagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
  • Native to China

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 4
– 9

Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Bamboos
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10'
– 15'
(3m
– 4.5m)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 60″ (150cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles City and Courtyard