Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009

Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009

Comparing different 'Jiuzhaigou' forms

Back to clumping bamboos

Rare and Collectable Bamboo

Fargesia sp. 'Jiuzhaigou' IV
or 'Jiuzhaigou 4'

Height: 7 to 9 (?) feet
Diameter: 0.5 inch
Hardiness: -20° F
USDA zone 5 through 9, not for climates with high heat and humidity (southeastern states).

This unusual bamboo is the darkest colored form of 'Jiuzhaigou' collected  from Jiuzhaigou Park in northern Sichuan China by R. Willumeit . The canes age to a deep, wine color, with purple and red branches. Kimmei Nursery in Holland describes them as turning almost black. It is also thought to be one of the shortest forms, averaging only about 8 feet. We have only a few available for sale and haven't grown it in the ground long enough to determine the height and potential in the Pacific Northwest. It should be equally hardy as other Jiuzhaigou and safe from flowering for a very long time. This one definitely has potential for a small, but gorgeous garden specimen. Like all forms of Jiuzhaigou, the foliage is small, delicate looking, and curls in direct sunlight or intense cold. The leaves extra measure of protection add to its hardiness. It looks best when grown in an area with a few hours of morning sun and protection in the afternoon.


Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009