Fargesia dracocephala 'Rufa' is a cold hardy clumping bamboo ideal for small gardens or container planting. Unlike running bamboo, it forms dense non invasive clumps with elegant arching canes and narrow soft green foliage that remains evergreen in mild climates. Its graceful habit makes it useful as a privacy screen, living fence, or specimen plant in shaded to partially sunny areas. 'Rufa' is known for its tolerance to cold, humidity, and wind making it one of the most adaptable bamboos for temperate landscapes.
Height & Spread: 6 - 10 ft x 4 - 6 ft
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Light Requirements: Part shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, organically rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist, especially in hot weather
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to tough, fibrous foliage
Native Status
Originally native to mountainous regions of China, Fargesia dracocephala 'Rufa' is a cultivated selection bred for cold hardiness and clumping growth. It is not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- The dense clumps provide shelter and nesting cover for small birds such as sparrows, chickadees, and wrens.
Beneficial Insects
- Foliage and culms support overwintering habitat for spiders, ladybugs, and predatory beetles which contribute to natural pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space clumps 4 - 6 ft apart for screening or mass planting. Allow 3 ft clearance on all sides in containers.
Landscape Placement:
- Use as a privacy hedge, container focal point, or woodland accent. Works well in Japanese style gardens or modern landscapes needing vertical softness and structure.
Companion Plants
- Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) - Dense glossy groundcover that thrives in bamboo’s shade suppressing weeds and conserving moisture.
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Adds coppery new fronds and a delicate contrast of texture under the arching canes of bamboo.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - The arching stems and variegated foliage echo bamboo's elegance in shaded areas.
- Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' - This low golden ornamental grass complements bamboo’s upright form while softening its base.
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Rich purple foliage offers bold color contrast and mounding texture near the bamboo’s roots.