Description:

Fargesia robusta is a versatile clumping bamboo, and is one of the larger, more vigorous and most sun-tolerant of the Fargesias.  It has an upright habit, reaches about 20’ in height, with a diameter of 1”, and thrives in slightly acid, rich, organic soils, with summer irrigation, and is cold hardy to about 0 degrees F.  In my yard, it grows equally well with several hours of full afternoon sun, or in nearly full shade (I wouldn’t recommend this plant for areas receiving full sun with reflected heat).  This is a great plant for a single specimen used in a hedge or screen, or in a container in a shadier area.

Planting History:

I acquired a 5 gallon container plant from Bamboo Gardener in fall 2002, and planted out in a in a protected location with afternoon shade.  It grew vigorously in that location, but I moved it in late fall 2003 (and took several divisions in the process) after discovering vole tunnels under the plant.  It is a vigorous, prolific plant with dense culm spacing and foliage in its new, full sun location.  As of November 2005, the base of the plant has spread to about 3’ in diameter, and the culms are 5’-8’ tall. 

I also purchased some tiny,1gallon plants by mail order in November 2002, which I planted out in nearly full shade.  They have performed equally well, however, the culms are much taller, spaced further apart, and the foliage is less dense.  I have taken many propagations from these plants, but they have still produced culms over 10’ tall.