Fargesia dracocephala ‘Rufa’ – Clumping Dragon Head Bamboo

General Information: A relatively recent introduction from China’s Sichuan Province, this clumping species is a vigorous, upright grower in warm climates, while adopting a sprawling appearance in colder regions. If an upright posture is desired, the plants can easily be staked, with stakes easily concealed by the plant’s handsome, dense, dark green, glossy foliage. The long, narrow leaves are carried on pink branchlets. The culms (canes) are yellow-green when new, aging to a ruddy color as they mature. The cultivar name ‘Rufa,’ meaning “red,” refers to the distinctive orange-red culm sheaths which bear new growth each year in spring. A perfect screen plant in warmer climates, reaching up to 10 feet. Even in colder regions like New England, where the canes grow shorter and tend to droop and bow, this Bamboo species is guaranteed to draw attention and amazement. Consider Dragon Head Bamboo as an addition to a Koi pond, Zen garden, as a foundation planting (especially along north-facing walls), as a privacy screen in warmer regions, or as a rare and beautiful garden specimen. The bushiness and clumping habit of this Bamboo variety is very attractive to wildlife and serves as a protective hedge. Cut canes can be used for light craft work, weaving, basketry, or as supports in the garden, although the wood is not quite as durable as some of our other species of Bamboo.

Cold Hardiness: In our test plantings, this species has shown excellent cold hardiness, and in the winter of 2023-2024 were completely top hardy. The canes and leaves survived our coldest night (5°F with wind chill) with some leaf damage. In most years, New England winters are colder. Traditionally, each winter we see our specimens lose their leaves. When wind chills reach 0°F the leaves die back but will resprout in late spring. At -10°F the canes typically die back, however in February 2023 the wind chill was -10°F for one night, with no snow cover, and the plants leafed out again the following spring. Some sources indicate that the plant is top hardy to 0°F, presumably in areas well-protected from wind chills. Having been introduced to the U.S in 1995, this plant’s size at maturity and cold hardiness remain to be precisely determined.

Growing Requirements: Plant in part sun to nearly full shade. Plants grown in nearly full shade will have skinnier culms. Tolerant of full sun if given some shade at mid-day. We suspect this plant does not tolerate full sun in warm climates (Zones 8 and up). Prefers protection from harsh winds, especially in cold regions. Tolerant of most soil types. Prefers moist soil.

Fun Facts: The shoots of this species are a major food source for Pandas in their native range!