Fargesia nitida (Chinese Fountain Bamboo)

A particularly robust species, Fargesia nitida (Chinese Fountain Bamboo) is an elegant, evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with tall and slender, purple-flushed green canes strongly arching under the weight of the foliage. Short and very narrow, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), the leaves are slightly matte dark gray-green on the upper surface, and matte gray-green beneath.

A particularly robust species, Fargesia nitida (Chinese Fountain Bamboo) is an elegant, evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with tall and slender, purple-flushed green canes strongly arching under the weight of the foliage. Short and very narrow, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), the leaves are slightly matte dark gray-green on the upper surface, and matte gray-green beneath. Although delicate in appearance, Chinese Fountain Bamboo is tough and hardy, able to withstand severe winters. Easy to grow, this non-invasive bamboo is one of the best bamboo for growing in shade. Very adaptable, it can be used as a hedge or windbreak. Hardy to -4ºF (-20ºC).

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
  • A light shade to part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moisture-retentive soils. Tolerates sun, but the leaves will curl up readily 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 5
– 9

Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Bamboos
Exposure Full Sun, 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)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard