Fargesia rufa (Dragon Head Bamboo)

Fast-growing, Fargesia rufa (Dragon Head Bamboo) is an elegant, evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with short and very slender, glossy bright green canes adorned with conspicuous red sheaths. Fairly upright when young, its canes moderately arch under the weight of the foliage with age. Short and narrow, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), the leaves are shiny blue-green on the upper surface, dull gray-green beneath. Cold-tolerant, the leafy stems sway in the slightest breeze and bend, but usually 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 makes a fine subject for containers on a patio or terrace and can be used to create an attractive low hedge. Fargesia rufa is an important food source for the famous Giant Panda. Hardy to -4ºF (-20ºC).

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 6-8 ft. tall and wide (180-240 cm). Vigorous growing, it sends numerous new culms annually.
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moisture retentive soils. Tolerates full sun but needs some protection from hot afternoon sun.
• Great choice for hedges and screens and containers.
• Virtually pest and disease free. 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