Fountain Bamboo Fargesia nitida
ABOUT
Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, is a clumping bamboo that is particularly known for its graceful and arching growth habit, resembling a fountain. Its canes, or culms, are slender and elegant, displaying a stunning color transition that begins as a blue-green when young and gradually matures to a deep purple or almost black hue. The presence of a white powdery bloom can often be seen on the new canes, contributing to their unique appearance. The leaves of Fountain Bamboo are narrow, elongated, and evergreen, persisting throughout the year and adding to the plant's lush aesthetics. They are a rich green color and have a soft texture, which rustles pleasantly in the wind. This rustling sound, coupled with the leafy canopy, provides an auditory as well as a visual element to gardens. During the flowering period, which is rare and sporadic, the plant may produce understated flowers that are not particularly showy. Fountain Bamboo is appreciated mostly for its foliage and form rather than its blooms. It has a compact and bushy growth which makes it an excellent choice as a screening plant or a garden specimen, offering both privacy and visual interest. Overall, the Fountain Bamboo is admired for its non-invasive root system and its ability to create a serene and elegant atmosphere in landscapes, with its nodding canes and fluttering leaves contributing to its distinctive character.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Fountain Bamboo, Blue Fountain Bamboo.
Common names
Arundinaria nitida.
ToxicityTo humans
Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming any part of this bamboo species. Therefore, it is not typically considered a plant of concern with regards to human toxicity.
To pets
Fountain Bamboo is not known to be toxic to pets either. It does not appear on common lists of plants that are poisonous to pets, such as dogs and cats. As with humans, there are no significant reports of adverse effects from pets ingesting parts of this bamboo. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the indigestible nature of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Fargesia nitida, commonly known as Fountain Bamboo, is highly regarded for its attractive appearance, with slender canes and dense foliage, making it a favorite for aesthetic landscaping.
- Privacy Screen: It is often used to create natural screens or hedges, as its clumping growth habit ensures a dense barrier, offering privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Low Maintenance: Fountain Bamboo requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cold Resistance: This bamboo species is known for its cold hardiness, capable of withstanding temperatures far below freezing, which is essential for gardens in colder climates.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Fargesia nitida helps to stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion and promoting soil health.
- Shade Tolerance: Fountain Bamboo can thrive in partial shade, allowing it to be planted in a variety of light conditions, which is beneficial for understory planting in woodland gardens.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: It generally shows good resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some bamboo species, Fountain Bamboo is a clumping type and does not spread aggressively, making it a responsible choice for gardeners concerned about invasiveness.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide shelter and food for wildlife, supporting local biodiversity.
- Year-Round Interest: With its evergreen foliage, Fargesia nitida offers visual interest throughout all seasons, keeping gardens lively even in winter.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Its size and form allow for versatile use in landscaping, from solitary specimen plantings to mixed shrub borders and container gardening.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, is often used as a focal point in landscaping because of its graceful, arching form which adds aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Its dense growth habit provides a natural privacy screen or hedge, making it a popular choice for boundaries in residential gardens.
- The canes of Fountain Bamboo can be used for crafting furniture and garden accents due to their strength and flexibility.
- It is used in the creation of wind or sound barriers because the dense foliage can help reduce noise pollution.
- Fargesia nitida's canes are suitable for making walking sticks or garden stakes after being treated and dried.
- This bamboo species is utilized in the manufacturing of musical instruments such as flutes, favored for its tonal quality and resonance.
- Dried leaves from the Fountain Bamboo can be used as a natural mulch, providing soil nourishment and moisture retention for gardens.
- Because of its resistance to cold, it is used in Alpine and Nordic gardens to add greenery despite harsher climates.
- The prolific growth of Fountain Bamboo can be harvested periodically to use as fodder for livestock in some rural communities.
- Its non-invasive root system makes Fargesia nitida an ideal plant for container gardening, allowing people with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black Bamboo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black Bamboo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and harsh climates, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist through challenging times.
- Flexibility: The Fountain Bamboo is a clumping bamboo that bends in the wind without snapping. This flexibility is often seen as a metaphor for adaptability and the importance of being open to change without losing one’s integrity.
- Growth and Renewal: As a bamboo species, the Fountain Bamboo grows rapidly and can regenerate after being cut back, representing continual growth, regeneration, and the idea of new beginnings.
- Peace and Tranquility: Often found in serene gardens, the Fountain Bamboo is associated with peace and tranquility due to its gentle rustling leaves and elegant stature, offering a sense of calm and relaxation to any environment.
WaterThe Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, requires consistent moisture. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, with more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. Use a gentle stream of water to avoid disturbing the soil too much. The amount of water needed depends on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, but on average, provide about 1-2 gallons per week for a mature plant. Always ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightFountain Bamboo thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. It should be placed in a spot that receives morning sunlight and is shaded during the hottest part of the day. This plant is adaptable but will appreciate protection from the intense afternoon sun which could scorch its leaves.
TemperatureFountain Bamboo is hardy and can endure temperatures as low as 0°F, but it prefers a range between 40°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can generally withstand brief periods of lower temperatures, but prolonged exposure to extremes outside of its comfort zone can be damaging.
PruningPruning Fountain Bamboo is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to maintain its shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. Thinning out older, less vigorous canes will encourage new growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged canes.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, the best soil mix is a well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging between 5.5 and 6.5, to support optimum growth and health of the plant.
RepottingFountain Bamboo should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing root system. It's important to choose a slightly larger pot each time to ensure sufficient space for growth.
Humidity & MistingFountain Bamboo thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions. It is best to maintain a humidity level of around 40-60% for the plant, as it mimics its natural environment and promotes lush, healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Fountain Bamboo in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Ensure partial shade, protect from wind, and mulch around Fountain Bamboo.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Fargesia nitida, commonly known as the Fountain Bamboo, begins with seed germination, which is rare and typically occurs in a natural setting following a flowering event. The seedlings develop into young plants with a dense clump of culms (bamboo stems) and a spreading rhizome system. This clonal growth phase can last for many years, as the bamboo spreads vegetatively rather than through seed reproduction. Over time, the bamboo matures and reaches the flowering stage, which for Fargesia nitida may take several decades. Flowering is gregarious, with the entire population blooming at once, which can lead to the death of the flowering culms after seed set. The life cycle can begin anew if the seeds find suitable conditions to germinate, or more commonly, through the surviving rhizomes that sprout new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Fargesia nitida, also known as fountain bamboo, is commonly propagated through division, a process best undertaken in the spring as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. In this method, a mature clump of bamboo is divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one healthy culm and a portion of the root system. The division is typically done using a sharp spade to separate the root mass, and the resultant sections can then be replanted immediately in prepared soil that's rich in organic matter. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This vegetative approach is favored for maintaining the specific characteristics of the parent plant and ensuring a high success rate for the newly propagated plants.
