Umbrella Bamboo Fargesia murielae 'Simba'
ABOUT
The 'Simba' bamboo is a visually appealing plant known for its lush green foliage and graceful, clumping growth form. This particular variety boasts a rich green color in its leaves, which are elongate and slightly curved, contributing to the bushy appearance of the clump. It often forms dense clusters of canes that display an arching habit, giving the plant a soft, fountain-like appearance. The canes themselves are slender, with a smooth surface and nodes spaced along the length adding subtle texture. Smaller leaves may cluster near the top of the canes, creating a feathered look that rustles pleasantly in the wind. Overall, the 'Simba' bamboo brings a sense of tranquility and natural elegance to any garden or landscape where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Umbrella Bamboo, Fountain Bamboo.
Common names
Fargesia murielae 'Simba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae 'Simba') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting or handling this plant, as it is generally considered safe. Although it doesn't contain toxins that are harmful to people, it's always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plant material that is not meant for consumption.
To pets
Umbrella Bamboo is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for animals, and there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. Since it is not toxic, there should not be any adverse consequences from pets ingesting parts of this plant. Nevertheless, it is still best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants as a precautionary measure and to avoid any potential digestive upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: 'Simba' is a low maintenance clumping bamboo, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Landscape Aesthetics: With its fine foliage and upright habit, 'Simba' adds texture and visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens or living fences.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system helps in preventing soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Suitable for Containers: 'Simba' can be grown in containers, making it versatile for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
- Wildlife Shelter: Provides habitat and shelter for birds and small wildlife.
- No Invasive Spread: Unlike some bamboos, Fargesia murielae 'Simba' is non-invasive due to its clumping growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Acoustic barriers: Fargesia murielae 'Simba', commonly known as Umbrella Bamboo, is used to create natural sound barriers in gardens due to its dense growth habit, reducing traffic noise and other urban sounds.
- Erosion control: Its extensive root system makes it effective for stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion.
- Ornamental crafts: The canes of Umbrella Bamboo can be used to make decorative items such as picture frames, decorative screens, or garden trellises.
- Culinary uses: While not a common practice, the young shoots of the Umbrella Bamboo, like other bamboo species, may be harvested and prepared as a vegetable.
- Privacy screens: The clumping nature and height of the bamboo can provide a dense and attractive privacy screen for homes or gardens.
- Edible landscaping: Umbrella Bamboo can be incorporated into edible garden designs as an ornamental feature that also offers potential culinary use from its shoots.
- Theme gardens: Its distinctive Asian appearance makes it a suitable addition to themed gardens, such as Japanese or Zen gardens.
- Windbreaks: Planted in rows, it can act as a windbreak, protecting more sensitive plants and reducing wind speed in open areas.
- Fish ponds and water features: The bamboo can be planted around ponds or water features to enhance the aesthetic while providing shade for aquatic life.
- Crafting natural fencing: Canes tied together can create a more unique and environmentally friendly fencing option than traditional materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Umbrella Bamboo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Umbrella Bamboo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: As a species of bamboo, Fargesia murielae 'Simba', commonly known as Umbrella Bamboo, is often seen as a symbol of strength and flexibility. Bamboo can bend without breaking, suggesting the ability to adapt and withstand adversity.
- Longevity: Bamboo is known for its longstanding life, which makes it a symbol of longevity and well-being in many cultures, particularly in Asia.
- Growth and Renewal: The fast-growing nature of bamboo signifies rapid growth and the idea of constant renewal and fresh starts.
- Peace and Tranquility: The lush green foliage and gentle rustle of bamboo leaves in the wind give a sense of peace and calm, making it a symbol of tranquility and stress relief.
- Good Fortune: In several cultures, particularly in East Asia, bamboo is considered to bring good luck, making it a common gift for new beginnings such as housewarmings or business ventures.
WaterThe Umbrella Bamboo should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing enough water to soak the root zone. During hot spells or dry weather, water should be increased to ensure the plant remains hydrated, potentially up to three times a week. When watering, aim to provide approximately one to two gallons per session, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. It's important not to overwater, as the Umbrella Bamboo does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Make adjustments to the watering schedule based on rainfall, reducing the amount when natural precipitation provides sufficient moisture.
LightUmbrella Bamboo thrives in partial shade to full sun locations. It prefers a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting it in deep shade or in areas with intense, direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Umbrella Bamboo is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit and up to about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, staying within the ideal range is recommended. Provide protection from extreme cold winds, which can damage the foliage.
PruningPruning Umbrella Bamboo is primarily for the removal of old, dead, or damaged canes to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. It's often recommended to remove up to a third of the oldest canes, cutting them right down to the ground to encourage fresh new shoots to emerge. Pruning is not required annually, and extensive pruning every few years can keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae 'Simba') thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and moisture-retentive. A mix of loam, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal. The pH level should be slightly acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5, for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Umbrella Bamboo should be repotted every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil nutrients. Transplant it during the spring or early summer for the best results.
Humidity & MistingUmbrella Bamboo prefers moderate to high humidity levels to thrive, ideally around 40% to 60%. However, it can tolerate lower humidity but may not grow as vigorously.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Requires partial shade, protection from wind, and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Fargesia murielae 'Simba' is Umbrella Bamboo. It begins its life as a seed which, after germination, grows a small shoot that emerges above the soil surface. As it grows, this clump-forming bamboo develops a network of rhizomes, from which new culms (stems) emerge. These culms grow rapidly, reaching their full height within a few weeks and then leafing out to form a dense canopy. The mature bamboo plants do not flower frequently; many species of Fargesia flower only once every several decades in a phenomenon known as gregarious flowering, after which the parent plant often dies. However, in cultivation, 'Simba' is propagated vegetatively by division, thus bypassing the flowering and seeding stages and extending the life of the plant through human intervention.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Fargesia murielae 'Simba', commonly known as Umbrella Bamboo, is usually propagated through division, a method preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to carry out this procedure is in the spring as the plant emerges from its dormant winter phase. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig around the base of the mature plant to unearth its rhizomes, taking care not to damage the root structure. With a sharp spade or knife, sections of the plant containing both roots and shoots are separated. Each division should be substantial enough—about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) across. Immediately after division, the new individual plants should be replanted in a mixture of soil and compost to encourage healthy growth, maintaining consistent moisture levels as they establish.
