Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009

Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009


Comparing different 'Jiuzhaigou' forms
 
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Rare and Collectable Bamboo

Fargesia sp. 'Jiuzhaigou' X
or 'Jiuzhaigou 10'

Height: 10 to 12 (?) feet
Diameter: 0.75 inch
Hardiness: -20° F
USDA zone 5 through 9, not for climates with high heat and humidity (southeastern states).

This interesting but rare form of Jiuzhaigou has canes that age to a rich yellow/gold color. It appears to grow as tall, if not a little taller than Jiuzhaigou I (11 feet on average).  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 as hardy as other Jiuzhaigou and safe from flowering for a very long time. It has relatively long branches and tiny, delicate looking leaves. In its native climate, bamboos from this region have a wide diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes, even within the same species. The new introductions of Jiuzhaigou provide enough diversity to potentially fill in a gap left by the old generation cultivars of Fargesia nitida that are finally flowering. F. nitida and F. sp. Jiuzhaigou are very similar, but have enough differences (as revealed by genetic testing) that they should be recognized as separate species. From a horticultural perspective, all forms of Jiuzhaigou generally have smaller, more delicate looking leaves than most F. nitida, and perhaps more vivid and varied color. (although some old generation F. nitida were very colorful ) Beyond that, it is hard to find distinguishable differences.


Photo copyright: Noah Bell, 2009