Fargesia sp. 'Rufa'

Photo copyright: Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden Close up of large Fargesia sp. 'Rufa' Note that F. robusta, F. sp. Scabrida, and F. sp. Rufa all have similar culm sheaths and culms. We believe they are closely related.	Fargesia sp. 'Rufa' aka Fargesia dracocephala 'Rufa' Maximum Height: 10' (avg. 7'), Cane Diameter: ½" Hardiness: -15º F USDA zone 5 through 9, not for climates with high heat and humidity (southeastern states). A newly discovered Fargesia with new culms that have attractive rusty reddish sheaths and a non-invasive root system. This introduction is proving to be one of the most hardy and versatile clumping bamboo in the landscape. It is a shorter Fargesia, only about 10 feet tall when mature, but a vigorous grower, sending up many new culms each season. The new culms of this Fargesia leaf out early in the summer, making it an excellent choice where its rapid growth is desired. Like Fargesia dracocephala and Fargesia robusta its leaves do not curl in the sun, but it is hardier than either of these. Yet like all Fargesias, it should be planted with protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Recently suggested by Chris Stapleton to be the original "Dragon's Head Bamboo" (Fargesia dracocephala) described by Chinese botanists.
Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009 ~A screen of F. sp. 'Rufa' at Bamboo Garden, about 9 feet tall
Close up showing rusty red culm sheaths.	Photo copyright: Ned Jaquith, Bamboo Garden A nice Fargesia sp. Rufa growing along a water canal in Holland. Click on link to see larger picture
Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2007 ~A screen of F. sp. 'Rufa' at Bamboo Garden, about 7 feet tall,
photo copyright: Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden Our one gallon crop of Fargesia rufa: 4-6 canes, 2-3 feet tall A customer admires her Fargesia rufa. It was planted from a two gallon size and has grown over five feet tall after only a year and a half.