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Fargesia rufa (dragon head bamboo)

Introducing the Fargesia rufa, also known as dragon head bamboo or fountain bamboo, a non-invasive clumping bamboo that hails from the mountainous regions of China. Esteemed for its lush green foliage and elegant, arching canes, the Fargesia rufa is a perfect choice for those seeking to introduce a touch of the Orient into their garden. Its graceful habit and robust nature make it an excellent selection for creating a natural screen or as a specimen plant, adding an air of tranquility and sophistication to any landscape.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
50-75 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £24.40

25+ £23.15

50+ £22.55

100+ £21.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
4

21.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £34.25

25+ £32.55

50+ £31.70

100+ £30.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
4

30.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £44.60

25+ £42.35

50+ £41.25

100+ £40.10

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
3

40.10

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £65.75

25+ £62.45

50+ £60.80

100+ £59.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
3

59.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Fargesia rufa (dragon head bamboo)

The Fargesia rufa, commonly referred to as dragon head bamboo or fountain bamboo, is a non-invasive clumping bamboo that is prized for its lush foliage and graceful, fountain-like growth habit. It is an excellent choice for creating a natural hedge or enjoying as an ornamental feature in a solitary setting.

Key Features

Fargesia rufa is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -17.8°C to -20.5°C, making it suitable for a variety of climates within USDA zone 6b.
This species boasts a fast growth rate of 50 to 75 cm per year, quickly establishing itself as a dense green hedge.
The lush evergreen foliage of the dragon head bamboo remains a vibrant green throughout all seasons, providing an enduring visual appeal.
Fargesia rufa is suited to a range of well-drained soil types and prefers locations with partial shade to full sun.
Despite its vigorous growth, this bamboo requires minimal pruning, typically only once a year to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

Tips

To ensure the health and vitality of your Fargesia rufa, it is advisable to water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, as it is not drought resistant.
Propagation by division not only facilitates the spread of this bamboo but also rejuvenates older plants. This process should be carried out during the spring or autumn for the best results.
When planting Fargesia rufa, consider giving it space to spread and achieve its full fountain-like splendor, enhancing the aesthetic of your garden year-round.

Ideal placement of a Fargesia

This species flourishes in locations offering partial shade, though it can also tolerate full sun if provided with sufficient moisture. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it versatile in landscape design, yet it performs best in {S. well-drained soils}. Areas that provide protection from intense afternoon heat will support the lush, green appearance of its foliage throughout the seasons. When selecting a spot for this plant, consider a site that balances morning sunlight with afternoon shade to promote optimal growth and maintain the plant's vibrant green hue year-round.

Planting a Fargesia

To ensure a successful establishment of Fargesia rufa, planting should be carried out in well-draining soil, adaptable to a range of types, and situated in a location receiving partial shade to full sun. When preparing the site, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth. Carefully place the root ball in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. For optimal growth, maintain an even moisture level, especially during the initial growing period, as this species is not drought-tolerant. Planting is ideally done during the cooler months of spring or autumn to minimize stress on the plant.

Pruning a Fargesia

Pruning of Fargesia rufa is generally minimal, required only once per year to maintain its shape and vitality. The ideal time to prune this species is in late winter before new growth commences, ensuring the plant retains its lush, green appearance throughout the year. During pruning, focus on thinning out any older, less vigorous canes at ground level to stimulate new growth and improve air circulation. This practice not only enhances the plant's visual density but also contributes to its overall health and vigor.

Watering a Fargesia

Fargesia rufa requires consistent hydration to maintain its lush, evergreen foliage, particularly when situated in sunnier locales. Although it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, the soil must be well-drained to prevent waterlogging. During the establishment phase and in the warmer months, ensure the soil remains moist but not saturated. In times of drought, increase watering frequency to support the plant's needs. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can be done early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.

Fertilising a Fargesia

To maintain the lush greenery and robust health of bamboo rufa, fertilizing is an integral part of its care routine. Ideally, fertilization should be performed in the spring to support the vigorous growth rate of 50 - 75 cm per year. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at the beginning of the growing season will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal development.

It's crucial to follow the recommended dosages to prevent over-fertilization, which could lead to foliage burn or excessive growth. Ensure the fertilizer is well-distributed around the base of the plant, keeping a reasonable distance from the main stem to avoid any root damage. Regular feeding will contribute to the plant's resilience, especially through the winter months, where it exhibits a strong hardiness down to -17.8°C, aligning with USDA zone 6b conditions.

The characteristics of a Fargesia

The Fargesia rufa, with its lush foliage and elegant, arching canes, presents a tranquil and graceful appearance in any landscape. This species is a non-invasive clumping variety, making it an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens without the worry of it spreading uncontrollably. Its tolerance for a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade allows for versatile placement in garden designs. The gentle rustling sound of its leaves when caressed by the wind adds a soothing auditory element to its serene visual beauty.

Separating/dividing a Fargesia

To propagate Fargesia rufa, division is an effective method that not only fosters new growth but also maintains the health of the bamboo. This process should ideally be carried out in the cooler months of spring or autumn. It begins with carefully excavating the plant from the soil, then cleanly separating it into several sections. Each section should have a sufficient amount of roots to ensure successful reestablishment. After division, the individual clumps are replanted, providing an opportunity to spread the graceful habit of this species to new areas of the garden or to rejuvenate an existing planting.

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