Fargesia yunnanensis

Fargesia yunnanensis is an attractive and vigorous, large, non-spreading bamboo, native to Yunnan. It is highly ornamental, rather delicate and of a bright green colour. This species forms a dense clump, composed of tall and sturdy green canes. The straw-coloured sheaths remain on the nodes for a long time and are often striped with beautiful vertical pink-purple lines. Plant it in a sheltered location, with thick mulch, as its hardiness is estimated to be around -10°C (14°F), possibly more. The leaves of this bamboo are part of the diet of the giant panda, and it is renowned for the taste quality of its young shoots. It can reach a height of 4 to 7m, or even more under favourable conditions.

Fargesia yunnanensis is alternatively classified in the genus Fargesia, Yushania, Borinda, and Sinarundinaria. It belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to mountain forests in Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan in China, where the climate is cool and humid. Its sturdy and clustered canes are apparently able to reach up to 10m (32ft 10in) in height with a diameter of 6cm (2.4in), under optimal conditions. They have persistent and tough sheaths with beautiful purple stripes. The leaves are long and narrow. An easy-to-grow ornamental plant, it may be wise to protect it in winter, as its hardiness has not been tested in Europe beyond -10°C (14°F). Its young shoots are edible and of excellent taste quality.

Fargesia is most often used as a windbreak or noise screen, or as an informal hedge, grown in isolated clumps or in beds. It deserves a special place. The star of Asian-inspired gardens, it suits many styles, from the most contemporary to the most exotic, including natural gardens or water gardens. When planted en masse, it quickly creates very exotic small forests, its graphic design bringing height and lushness to the decor. Its density and rapid growth make it an excellent candidate to conceal an unwanted view or create an effective windbreak, with multiple specimens. Its presence is such that you can plant it as a standalone, leaving enough space for it to express its full beauty. Moreover, it is quite easy to combine with other evergreen shrubs such as Nandina domestica, hollies, Mahonia, or Sarcococca. In a tropical-style bed, it blends well with many plants such as Cannas and Fatsia japonica.