A cold-hardy clumping bamboo forming a graceful fountain of fine arching foliage on slender canes. Non-invasive and shade-tolerant, it makes an elegant screen for cool-climate gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 3 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Fountain Bamboo
Botanically, Fargesia rufa is an moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Fountain Bamboo
Fountain Bamboo suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun, shade and low-light positions and full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Fountain Bamboo does best in clay and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Fountain Bamboo is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Cut Fountain Bamboo back hard in late winter to refresh it before the new season's growth. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Fountain Bamboo in the garden
Fountain Bamboo earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Fountain Bamboo with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Fountain Bamboo
Plant Sale lists Fountain Bamboo as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.