Fargesia nitida
fountain bamboo
Western China (Gansu and Sichuan provinces — mountain forests, 6,000-11,000 feet / 1,800-3,400 m); principal giant-panda food source in the wild
Overview
Fargesia nitida is fountain bamboo (also called blue clump bamboo), a clumping evergreen bamboo in the grass family (Poaceae spp.) growing 96–144 inches (240–360 cm / 8–12 feet) tall and 72–96 inches (180–240 cm / 6–8 feet) wide. Leaves are bright green narrow 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, carried on dark purple-black culms — the culm color separates this species visually from the green culms of F. murielae and serves as the primary species-level identifier. New culms emerge green and darken to purple-black over 1–2 growing seasons when exposed to direct light, which means shaded culms may retain green coloration longer than exposed culms within the same clump. The arching fountain-like canopy form gives the species its common name. The rhizome system is pachymorph (clumping — no rhizome barrier needed at installation). Cold-hardiness extends to zone 4 (-30°F / -34°C), which places this species at the cold end of the commonly cultivated clumping bamboo range. Leaf width runs 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm), which produces a more delicate canopy texture than F. murielae at 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm) leaf width. A mass flowering event occurred circa 1995–2005 and killed many established clone specimens; current nursery stock derives from seedling replacements. The species is monocarpic — the next reproduction cycle may not occur for 50–80 years. A principal food source of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the wild native range. The leaves curl in direct sun and drought as a stress signal. Consistent moisture in partial shade. Non-toxic (shoots edible cooked). Deer-resistant. Zones 4–8. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Fargesia nitida is native to western China (Gansu and Sichuan provinces), where it grows in mountain forest understories at 6,000–11,000 feet (1,800–3,400 m). The species is a principal food source of the giant panda in the wild native range.Suggested Uses
Grown as a screen, hedge, and specimen planting in zones 4–8. The dark purple-black culm color carries the primary ornamental feature of the species and separates plantings visually from the green-culmed clumping bamboos in the trade. Cold-hardiness extends to zone 4, which places this species among the cold-tolerant clumping bamboos for northern garden use. Partial-shade positioning preserves foliage quality; consistent moisture through the growing season is required. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
The species rarely flowers under cultivation — the 1995–2005 mass flowering event ran on a monocarpic reproduction cycle that cycles every 50–80 years, which means the next flowering window is not expected until the 2050s–2080s at earliest. The evergreen purple-black culms and narrow-leaf foliage carry the year-round ornamental features, and the plant is grown for culm color and habit rather than any flowering display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rarely flowers (monocarpic)Foliage Description
Bright green narrow 2-4 inches long and 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide; narrower than F. murielae leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial shade in moist well-drained loam soil at pH 6.0–7.0 — the leaves curl in direct sun as a stress signal. Consistent moisture through the growing season is required; the species is intolerant of drought. Cold-hardiness extends to zone 4, which places this species at the cold end of the commonly cultivated clumping bamboo range. The dark purple-black culm coloration develops in direct-light exposure over 1–2 seasons, so thinning congested clumps to allow interior culms to see more light produces better culm color across the full clump. Clumping habit means no rhizome barrier is needed at installation. The species is a principal giant-panda food source in its wild native range. Monocarpic reproduction cycle — the next cycle may not occur for 50–80 years from the 1995–2005 flowering event. Non-toxic (shoots edible cooked). Deer-resistant. Zones 4–8.Pruning
Dead, damaged, or old culms are removed at the base in late winter (February–March). Congested clumps are thinned to allow light to younger culms, which also promotes the purple-black culm coloration development across the clump interior. Culms are removed entirely at the base — partway cuts produce dieback on the remaining stem segment and work against the natural clump renewal cycle.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons