'Wenchuan' is an arching form of F. robusta with a slightly more open growth habit than other variations of this useful species. The culm and branch sheaths are a beautiful reddish brown instead of white to tan. It seems to be slightly more vigorous than F. robusta 'Campbell'. Large leaves give this bamboo a more tropical appearance. It is very similar to 'Wolong', but the dark green leaves are a little more pointed and don't seem to curl downward around the edges (as 'Wolong' tends to do). More needs to be learned about this rare bamboo to find it's particular niche in garden designs. The overall foliage pattern is more graceful and organized than other large leafed clumping bamboo. It is certainly more cold hardy than the large leafed Borinda. Give this new bamboo a try in a shaded to half sun location, let us know what you discover; we love to hear feedback from customers!
