Fountain Bamboo
Fargesia rufa
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
96 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
China
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Fargesia rufa is a dense, non-invasive, clumping bamboo known for its graceful, fountain-like arching habit and fine-textured, evergreen foliage. A key feature is the emergence of new culms with attractive reddish-orange sheaths. It is one of the hardiest and most versatile clumping bamboos, tolerating more sun than many other Fargesia species.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
- Plant rhizomes 2-3 feet apart to allow for growth.
- Tuck roots in soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Provide consistent watering, especially during dry periods for 6 weeks.
Pro Tip
Use a shaded spot and keep soil moist for best growth, avoiding direct harsh sunlight.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune dead or damaged canes in early spring
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun which can scorch the canes ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in late fall ❌
- Avoid disturbing the root clump excessively
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Fountain Bamboo questions
What zones can Fountain Bamboo grow in?
Fountain Bamboo is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Fountain Bamboo deer resistant?
Yes — Fountain Bamboo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Fountain Bamboo bloom?
Fountain Bamboo typically blooms in rarely flowers through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Fountain Bamboo need full sun?
Fountain Bamboo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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Grow Fountain Bamboo with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
