Fargesia murielae Simba - Non-running Bamboo

The Fargesia murielae Simba is a variety of umbrella bamboo that is interesting for its moderate growth and the dense and fine, graceful texture of its vegetation . This non-invasive variety is versatile, suitable for creating an evergreen hedge that does not require pruning, as well as for ornamental purposes in a flower bed. And its beautiful fountain-like habit will be wonderful as a standalone clump. Resistant to cold, comfortable in any good garden soil, preferably neutral to acidic, this plant adapts to many regions. It does not require the installation of a rhizome barrier.

The Fargesia murielae is a plant of the poaceae family, a type of grass with woody stems that develops from a non-invasive rhizomatous stump, known as clumping. In this type of bamboo, the very short internode rhizomes develop slowly at the periphery of the stump, which gradually expands, but they also grow towards the centre of the clump, which remains very dense without thinning out. This umbrella bamboo, also known as Sinarundinaria murielae, originates from the mountains in central China, and is one of the hardiest bamboos. It has survived in Eastern European countries with very harsh winters.

The cultivar 'Simba' is one of the shortest in the murielae species, not exceeding 2m in height. Its growth is rather slow and it forms a compact clump at the base, tapering upwards, flexing under the weight of the foliage. Eventually, the plant will spread over 1m (3.2ft) on the ground. The canes or stems are thin, less than 1cm in diameter, flexible but strong, green and covered with bloom when young. Over time, they take on a more beige colour. The foliage is evergreen in winter and distributed almost throughout the height. The abundant leaves are thinner than those of other varieties. They are lanceolate and taper to a point, with a light and vibrant green colour.

The Fargesia murielae Simba, with its dense stems and foliage that remains evergreen in winter, allows for the creation of a windbreak, a noise screen, or a boundary hedge. It will also have a great effect as a standalone clump or integrated into a shrub bed, in a large pot or container on a balcony or terrace. To brighten and animate its foliage in summer, it can be paired with a viticella-type clematis with red flowers (Madame Julia Correvon, Purpurea Plena Elegans, Avant Garde) whose small foliage will blend naturally with the vegetation of the bamboo. Tall grasses, giant cannas, and large dahlias (Dahlia imperialis) will also be good companions for this robust bamboo.