Fargesia denudata Lancaster 1

The Fargesia denudata Lancaster 1 is a type of bamboo that is exceptional in many ways. It is named after an English gardener-botanist and is non-invasive, meaning it won't spread uncontrollably. The plant has a beautiful appearance, resembling a miniature weeping willow. It is easy to grow in all areas and has lush foliage consisting of tender bluish-green panicles, young cherry-red branches, and green canes that turn a bright yellow in the sun. This bamboo stays small in size but offers a very dense foliage that can be used as a standalone specimen, a small hedge, or a privacy screen on a balcony. It is also resistant to cold temperatures at high altitudes and has good tolerance to sea spray or dry soils in warmer climates. There are plenty of reasons to choose this wonderful bamboo without hesitation!

The Fargesia denudata Lancaster 1 is a type of woody-stemmed grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It grows from a non-invasive, clump-forming rhizomatous rootstock. In this type of bamboo, the very short inter-nodal rhizomes grow slowly at the periphery of the rootstock, expanding gradually. They also develop towards the interior of the clump, making it very dense without thinning in the centre. Fargesia denudata is indigenous to central China's provinces, from northern Sichuan to southern Gansu. This bamboo species grows on slopes covered with conifers and birches up to an altitude of 3200 m (about 10,500 feet). Pandas highly appreciate this bamboo variety. This bamboo is one of the most robust, it can withstand temperatures around -18 to -22°C and is not very demanding in terms of soil or exposure.

The cultivar 'Lancaster 1' is a recent horticultural selection, chosen for its vigour and the density of its foliage. It has a compact, flexible, and trailing habit. Its height growth is rapid for Fargesia. At maturity, this bush will reach approximately 3 m (9 in 10 ft) in all directions, sometimes less or sometimes more depending on the growing conditions. It develops strong thin culms from its rootstock, which measure about 1 to 2 cm (0.4 - 0.8 in) in diameter and can reach a height of 3 m (9 in 10 ft). When they emerge from the ground, these culms are a tender green colour. They lengthen and gradually turn yellow, even golden yellow if exposed to the sun. The young secondary branches (the 'shoots') are bright red in colour. They are abundantly covered with small, narrow, tapered, slightly bluish light green evergreen leaves.

The star of Asian-inspired gardens, bamboo suits many styles, from contemporary to exotic, including natural gardens, Zen gardens, or water gardens. Planted in mass, Lancaster 1 bamboo quickly creates an exotic miniature forest, bringing a touch of romance and lushness to any setting. The dense foliage and rapid growth make it an excellent candidate to conceal an unsightly view or create an effective windbreak.  Its presence is such that you can plant it as a standalone specimen, giving it enough space 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 pairs well with many plants such as Cannas and Fatsia japonica. The Fargesia denudata Lancaster 1 can be cultivated in containers, making it ideal for use on balconies or terraces as a screen to create privacy.