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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Fountain Bamboo does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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
Combine Fountain Bamboo with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Fountain Bamboo
Plant Sale lists Fountain Bamboo as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
