Description
Cold Hardy Bamboo Without the Running-Bamboo Headache
Love the tropical, architectural appearance of bamboo but don’t want bamboo popping up throughout the yard?
Fargesia dracocephala ‘Rufa’ Dragon’s Head Bamboo is an excellent solution.
Unlike the familiar running bamboos that spread through long underground rhizomes, Fargesia Rufa clumping bamboo does not run. New shoots emerge around the existing plant, gradually increasing the diameter of the clump rather than racing across the landscape.
That makes it particularly useful around patios, property lines, Asian-inspired gardens, woodland gardens and areas where a soft evergreen-style screen is desired.
One of the Best Bamboos for Cold Climates
Fargesia Rufa clumping bamboo is notable for being one of the more cold-tolerant ornamental clumping bamboos. It is commonly rated for USDA Zones 5–9, with established plants capable of handling temperatures around -15°F under suitable conditions.
For northern gardeners who may have assumed attractive clumping bamboo was only suitable for mild climates, Rufa opens up many new landscaping possibilities.
Graceful, Dense Growth
As the plant matures, numerous slender canes develop into a dense, softly arching mound of narrow green foliage.
Under ideal growing conditions, a mature plant can eventually reach approximately 8–10 feet tall and up to about 10 feet across, making it large enough for screening while remaining much more manageable than many timber or running bamboos. NC State Extension lists Fargesia rufa at approximately 6–10 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide.
New culms can also display attractive rusty-red to orange-colored sheaths, adding another ornamental feature during the growing season.
Great for Privacy Screens and Hedges
Plant several Rufa divisions together and they can eventually create a beautiful living screen.
Rather than producing the rigid appearance of an evergreen hedge, bamboo creates movement and texture as its fine leaves move in the breeze.
Dragon’s Head Bamboo works especially well for:
- Privacy screens and informal hedges
- Patio and deck screening
- Asian and Japanese-inspired gardens
- Woodland-edge plantings
- Specimen plants
- Screening fences, utilities or neighboring properties
- Large containers
- Pool and hardscape landscaping
For a hedge, allow enough room for each clump to develop naturally. Plants can also be maintained narrower through occasional pruning.
Light and Growing Conditions
Rufa performs well in partial sun to partial shade and appreciates consistently moist but well-drained soil.
In cooler northern climates it can tolerate more sun, while in hotter climates it benefits from protection from intense afternoon sun. Bamboo Garden specifically recommends afternoon protection in warmer areas because excessive summer sun can cause leaf burn and stress.
Regular watering is particularly important during the plant’s first growing season while the roots become established.
What You Will Receive
This listing is for one bareroot division of Fargesia dracocephala ‘Rufa’.
Each division will contain a minimum of 12 individual culms, with plants approximately 12–15 inches tall when shipped.
Because these are divisions rather than tiny tissue-culture starts, customers receive an established section of the plant with multiple growing points capable of producing additional shoots as the root system establishes.
Plant your bamboo as soon as practical after arrival, water thoroughly, and keep the soil evenly moist during establishment.
As with all live plants, the exact number, thickness and arrangement of individual stems will vary naturally from division to division.
