Description:

Fargesia dracocephela is a slow growing clumper that reaches a height of about 15 feet with a culm diameter of 1/2 inch.  To thrive it needs rich, organic, slightly acid soils, with summer irrigation and protection from hot afternoon sun.  It tolerates heat (but not direct sun) without leaf curl better than other Fargeisas, and is cold hardy to minus 10 degrees F.  In its native habitat, it is the preferred forage of the Giant Panda, but its dense culm spacing and somewhat weeping habit also make it perfect for a screen, or as a specimen near a shady deck!

Planting History:

I acquired a 5 gallon container of this plant from Bamboo Gardener  in spring 2003, and planted it out in an area with afternoon shade.  It has established quite quickly in silt loam soil with lots of organic mulch and summer irrigation, doubling in size over the 2003 and 2004.  Container plants that I have purchased for resale have been slower and less vigorous, and seem to be especially sensitive to summer heat.