Bashania fargesii

Bashania fargesii is an authentic mountain bamboo, strong, very straight and perfectly adapted to extreme conditions and the rigorous climate of high-altitude areas. Of medium size, it stands out for its straight canes with an unusual appearance: covered with brown and hairy sheaths, they begin dark green and quickly turn silver-grey, a splendid colour which looks ghostly in the mist, and is enhanced by frost and rain. Its foliage, abundant in all seasons, is a bright green and cascades generously. Its wandering rhizomes are remarkably efficient in covering vast areas. Invite it into a natural garden, as long as you give it enough space to express itself, it will remain beautiful!

Bashania fargesii (Syn. Arundaria fargesii, Pleioblastus angustifolia) is also called Silver Bamboo because of the very particular colour of its canes. It belongs to the family of poaceae or grasses. It is a botanic species of medium development, with an upright, dense habit, forming a large, open clump. It has creeping rhizomes of the leptomorph type, meaning they are similar to its canes but equipped with roots. These rhizomes colonize the surface space, but they are also capable of sinking very deeply, especially in sandy or rocky soils, thus better resisting drought. It is native to the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Hubei, and Gansu, up to the northeastern boundaries of Sichuan. In nature, this bamboo grows in areas up to 2500m (8202ft) in altitude. The young canes are covered with strong brown hairs and emerge from the ground in large numbers in April-May. Measuring 2 to 5cm (0.8 to 2in) in diameter, they quickly elongate and reach an average height of up to 3.5m (11ft 6in) from the ground (sometimes over 4m (13ft 1in) in favourable conditions). Its evergreen foliage consists of bright green leaves measuring up to 15cm (5.9in) long and 2.5cm (1in) wide.

Extremely robust, hardy and prolific, this bamboo succeeds almost everywhere, in both sun and shade, from the driest regions to damp undergrowth, even in poor and very acidic soils, to the point of becoming invasive. It is essential for creating an exotic atmosphere in a mountain garden. To contain its growth, we advise you to give it plenty of space or use anti-rhizome barriers. It is perfectly suited for large Zen, wild, exotic, or contemporary gardens. It is a good plant for colonizing vast areas, stabilizing banks, or creating large windbreak hedges. Its silver canes and the pale undersides of its leaves beautifully brighten up shady spots. Such a hedge can accommodate variegated or non-pruned boxwoods in a ball shape, dwarf mugo pines, spindle trees, and creeping junipers that will enhance its lofty habit. After about ten years in place, it is possible to harvest canes that can be used as stakes or trim its mass to create mysterious paths and labyrinths. However, it is too exuberant to be grown in a small garden or in a pot that it would quickly burst!