F. robusta has taken the horticultural world by storm, recently becoming one of our most popular bamboos. It is a great choice for a non-invasive clumping bamboo that can create a narrow screen, being taller, more upright, and more sun tolerant than most other Fargesia . It has dark green foliage and olive green culms, with new shoots that are rusty red upon emergence from the ground in early spring. The sheaths remain on the new shoots through early summer and soon fade to a light tan, giving the culms very attractive contrasting colors, like a green and white checkerboard.  In mild climates it will tolerate full sun. Afternoon shade should be provided if grown in regions with very hot summer temperatures. Cold hardy to negative 5 F, and regularly achieving 12 to 15 feet in height, this wonderful bamboo has filled an important niche.

Baring jet black culms and feathery green leaves, this impressive bamboo is used by many to create tall, evergreen privacy screens. Under ideal conditions Black Bamboo will grow to 40 feet in height with culms over 2 inches in diameter, but 25 feet is its average height in most climates. New culms emerge green every spring and gradually turn black in one to three years. There is always a contrast of light and dark culms balanced by slender, dark green leaves. Cold hardy to 0 F, fully sun tolerant, and versatile, this classic bamboo is an all time favorite.