Plant Min Zone: 5b
Plant Max Zone: 6b
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: None
Flower Color: None
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low, Medium
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 2' - 4'
Width: 2' - 4'
Growth Rate: Slow, Extremely Slow
Service Life: Very Long: 10-20 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Bamboo only if Winter-Kill Occurs.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: East Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Bright Winter Color, Multiple Seasons of Interest, Long Lasting Fall Color, Fine Texture, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: None
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Environmental Stress / Decline, Needs Regular Irrigation, Slow to Reach Mature Size
Dragon Head Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) is a wonderful relatively new bamboo introduction with bright green leaves, red sheaths on new canes, and most importantly, a CLUMPING growth habit. This plant creates a soft textured tropical lush appearance in the garden. This unique and interesting plant is evergreen to -5 degree F and grows to about 2-3 feet in Eastern Kansas. (the published 6-10 feet is only achieved in desirable more stable climates like Oregon) Fargesia rufa provides shelter for birds, is not troubled by any diseases, insects, or animals, and is resistant to drought and heat after established. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water if planted in good soils. It is best grown in organically rich, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade but tolerates full shade (not dry-shade). It prefers cool summer climates; although we are on the Southern edge of this plants adaptability, it still survives reasonably well here. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure. It needs some morning sun but lots of protection from hot afternoon sun. Does not perform well in the hot and humid summers of the southeastern U.S. or anywhere south of zone 6b. I have witnesses plants die in zone 7a from summer heat exhaustion. Mulch in winter will provide protection for the roots and expect occasional die-back when temperatures hit -5 to -10 degrees F. Repeated or successive cold winters with complete foliage loss seem to be an issue with this and many evergreen zone 6/7 plants. One occasional difficult winter followed by mild winters is more tolerable. This plant, however, will generally recover in one summer with decent watering and fertilizer. Plants do not "run" in the landscape like traditional bamboo and are not invasive; think of it as an evergreen ornamental grass with a nice compact fountain-like appearance.