Fargesia robusta Tauro

The Fargesia murielae Tauro is a non-spreading bamboo, usable as a standalone plant, but especially ideal for forming a hedge. Within four or five years, its dense vegetation will reach a height of 3.50 to 4 m, without spreading uncontrollably. Resistant to cold, comfortable in any good garden soil preferably neutral to acidic, this variety adapts to many regions. It does not require the purchase of a rhizome barrier (while keeping in mind that clumps expand over the years by emitting new shoots, but these shoots do not appear at a distance as in spreading bamboos).

The Fargesia murielae is a plant in the Poaceae family, a type of grass with woody stems that develops from a non-spreading 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 develop towards the center of the clump, which remains very dense without thinning in the center. This umbrella bamboo, also known as Sinarundinaria murielae, is native to the mountains of central China, and is one of the most hardy bamboos (-25°C). It has survived harsh winters in Eastern European countries.

This cultivar 'Tauro' is a recent selection, similar to its cousin Fargesia robusta. It has relatively fast growth once established, forming a compact clump at the base, spreading upwards, reaching a height of 3.5 to 4 m. The top reaches a diameter of about 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in), or even more, and can be limited by light pruning if necessary. The canes, also called culms, are upright, slender, 1 cm (0.4 in) in diameter, but very strong, and green in colour. Over the months, they take on a reddish colour that is quite decorative. The evergreen leaves are larger and wider than those of other varieties. They are lanceolate and taper at the ends, with a light and vibrant green colour.

The Fargesia murielae Tauro, with its dense stems and foliage, evergreen and relatively fast growth, is perfect for creating a decorative or protective hedge. It is resistant to wind, forming a completely opaque vegetation curtain, with a certain noise reduction efficiency. It can also be planted in a large pot or container on a terrace.
An inherently graphic plant, the umbrella bamboo will elegantly enhance a contemporary garden. Excellent for forming a background curtain behind a water feature, which provides it with welcome humidity, it is also valuable in a Japanese-style or exotic garden. It can be associated with plants with large leaves that contrast with its fine foliage, while adding a touch of tropical appearance to a temperate garden. The Gunnera manicata whose common name of giant Brazilian rhubarb accurately describes its general appearance, the Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex' with its immense palmate leaves and original cut, or in a smaller format, the Rodgersia aesculifolia, perennial plants with leaves resembling those of the chestnut tree are well suited.