Fargesia nitida Gansu

Fargesia nitida Gansu is a non-spreading bamboo, suitable for use as a standalone specimen but especially ideal for forming a hedge. Within a few years, its dense vegetation will reach a height of 2.50m, without spreading uncontrollably. Resistant to cold and comfortable in garden soil preferably neutral to acidic, this variety adapts to many different regions. No anti-rhizome barrier is required (although it should be noted that the clumps expand over the years by producing new shoots, but these do not appear at a distance like with spreading bamboos).

Fargesia nitida is a plant of the family Poaceae, a type of grass with woody stems that develops from a non-spreading rhizomatous rootstock, known as clump-forming. In this type of bamboo, the very short internode rhizomes develop slowly at the periphery of the clump, which gradually expands, but they also develop towards the centre of the dense clump. This bamboo, native to China, is hardy to approximately -20°C.
This cultivar 'Gansu' forms a clump which is compact at the base, tapering upwards, with a maximum height of 3m (9 ft 10 in) and a diameter of approximately 1.50m. The canes (or culms) are upright, slender in this species (6-8mm (0.2-0.3 in) diameter) but very sturdy, with a beautiful dark colour ranging from purple to black. The evergreen leaves are lanceolate and taper to a point, about ten centimetres in length, with a light and vibrant green colour. It is a plant for partial shade or even shade, and its limited height allows it to be positioned at the edge of trees. Fairly resistant to pollution, it is suitable for urban gardens, including small ones, due to its non-spreading habit and moderate growth.

Fargesia nitida Gansu, with its dense stems and evergreen foliage, is suitable for creating a decorative or protective hedge, even though its growth rate is moderate. It is resistant to wind, forming a completely opaque screen of vegetation, with some noise-reducing efficiency. It can also be planted in a large pot or container on a terrace, where its slightly spreading habit is truly decorative. In this case, make sure to choose a shaded location, as container cultivation enhances the drying effects of the sun!
With its sculptural appearance, this bamboo will elegantly enhance a contemporary garden. Excellent for creating a background curtain behind a water feature, which will provide it with welcome humidity, it will also be valuable in a Japanese or exotic-style garden. It can be combined with plants with large leaves that contrast with its delicate foliage, while adding a tropical aspect to a temperate garden.
Its great natural elegance, the sound of the wind in its foliage, and the gentle movement of the leaves will fit perfectly in a romantic garden. You can plant shrubs with similar needs for moisture and shade nearby, such as flat-headed hydrangeas. The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blaumeise' will be highlighted in front of a curtain of Fargesia, creating a beautiful scene. Clumps of perennial Hosta with their large and lush foliage, in various colours depending on the varieties, will complete this romantic tableau.