Umbrella Bamboo

(Fargesia murielae)

Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Fargesia murielae, commonly known as Umbrella Bamboo, is an evergreen perennial grass native to the understory of mountainous regions in South-Central China. It is a clump-forming bamboo, reaching heights of 10–14 ft (3–4 m) with slender canes about 0.5 inch in diameter. The leaves are elongated with pointed tips, arranged individually along the stems, contributing to the plant’s dense and lush appearance. The foliage maintains a vibrant green color throughout the year, with new shoots emerging light blue and tan culm sheaths, maturing to a yellowish-green. Umbrella Bamboo is particularly noted for its non-invasive clumping growth habit, as it lacks running rhizomes.

Umbrella Bamboo is valued for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to create a dense screen or hedge in the garden. It is also used for its adaptability to container planting, making it suitable for patios and smaller gardens. While it is tolerant of cold temperatures down to −15 °C (5 °F), it does not fare well in hot and humid climates, such as the southeastern United States. For optimal growth, Umbrella Bamboo requires part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is generally low-maintenance but may require some protection from strong winds. Its USDA plant hardiness zones are 5 through 9.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 6-15 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Understory of mountainous regions in South-Central China

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Fargesia murielae, Arundinaria murielae, Sinarundinaria murielae, Arundinaria sparsiflora, Thamnocalamus murielae, Bambusa murielae, Fargesia sparsiflora, Fargesia maluo, Fargesia ostrina

GBIF Accepted Name: Fargesia murielae (Gamble) T.P.Yi