Fargesia murielae Maasai - Non-running bamboo

Fargesia murielae Maasai is a non-running bamboo that can be used as a standalone plant or in a container but is especially ideal for forming a dense and decorative hedge. It grows quickly and has an upright habit, quickly forming a dense and opaque green screen. It is appreciated for its decorative green canes, mostly covered by white leaf sheaths. It is highly resistant to cold and can thrive in any good garden soil, preferably neutral to acidic, but also tolerates limestone, making it adaptable to many regions. This non-invasive bamboo can be planted in small gardens or containers.

Fargesia murielae belongs to the Poaceae family, formerly known as Gramineae. It produces woody canes that grow from a non-running rhizomatous rootstock, known as clump-forming. In this type of bamboo, the short internode rhizomes slowly develop at the periphery of the rootstock, gradually widening it, but they also grow towards the centre of the clump, keeping it dense without thinning out from the middle. Another great advantage is that it won't risk being invaded by rhizome shoots at a distance from the main clump.
This cultivar 'Maasai' is a recent horticultural variety from the Well Born Bamboo Africa range, obtained through sowing and selection of the best specimens. This bamboo has very distinct characteristics, the most noticeable being its almost columnar habit, especially in the first years. It grows quickly, even very quickly under optimal conditions (up to 1m per year), reaching its adult height of about 3.50m rapidly, while the clump formed can measure less than a metre in diameter (gradually widening over the years). The green canes, sometimes slightly bluish as they age, are slender and measure approximately 2cm in diameter. They bear numerous green leaves, about 10cm long and 2.5cm wide. In situations of stress, drought or cold, the leaves tend to roll inwards along their length, but then return to their normal shape. The lateral shoots are relatively short, and the leaves tend to broaden slightly after pruning, which does not detract from its ornamental character. In this variety, the whitish leaf sheaths cover a good part of the culms, contrasting well.
Another quality of Maasai is its particularly developed cold resistance, as it can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C and even -28°C.
This bamboo grows in most soils, from moist to wet, but not waterlogged. It prefers neutral to acidic soils but shows some tolerance to limestone. A rich soil will promote its growth, as well as a sunny to semi-shaded exposure. It also tolerates shade, but its growth will be reduced, and its habit will widen. Well-suited to pruning, it will create beautiful dense hedges and can also be planted in containers, controlling its height with shears.

Fargesia murielae Maasai, with its dense canes and foliage, evergreen and fast-growing, is perfect for creating a decorative or protective hedge. It withstands wind well and forms a completely opaque screen of vegetation. Its architectural appearance can be exploited in contemporary settings and to create an exotic-inspired atmosphere even in cold climates. When planted as a hedge, it forms a dense green screen that will showcase the plants at its base. Avoid plants with thin green leaves that visually blend with Maasai, and instead opt for colourful, purple or golden foliage and large leaves. For example, Magnolia tripetala, a small tree with leaves that can reach 60cm long, will create an original scene, especially as it is relatively unknown. Another lesser-known gem, Ptelea trifoliata Aurea, is a small Samaria Elm with golden, finely cut foliage that will stand out against the green curtain of your hedge. In mild climates, Phormium tenax Purpureum, a New Zealand Flax with long, ribbon-like purple leaves, will enhance the sculptural effect of your composition.