Fargesia Dracocephala 'Rufa' is a fast and very fast growing shrub that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5A through 9B. It matures to an average height of 8 feet to 10 feet and an average width of 6 inches to 1 foot, depending on climate and other environmental factors. It prefers growing in a location that provides full sun, shade, morning sun with afternoon shade, morning shade with afternoon sun or filtered sun and grows best when planted in loam, clay or silt soil that is well drained or moderately drained. The foliage is medium green and dark green in color. It attracts wildlife and visual attention and is resistant to deer and heat.

Rufa Dragon's Head Bamboo can be useful in the landscape along woodland borders, in mass plantings, in foundation plantings, as a buffer or screen, in containers or planters, as a background, under a shade tree, as a focal point, in landscape beds or islands or to frame the corners of a home or other building and also in theme gardens, perennial gardens or shade gardens.

Description

The 'Rufa' Dragon's Head is a great evergreen bamboo with a tight clumping, non-running habit. Introduced to the U.S. in 1995, it has quickly proven itself as a top performer. The feathery foliage on arching canes make a graceful presence in the landscape. In early summer new canes quickly grow up to 10 feet tall making it a great screening plant for fast coverage. It also has wonderful versatility growing well in shade to full sun as long as it is not a hot location. Mix it with bolder foliage to highlight the fine bamboo texture. It is great plant for a specimen planting. Planting locations in hot afternoon sunlight exposure should be avoided in climate zones 7 and warmer.

Because it is clumping, Dragon's Head bamboo does not require control. That being said, provide up to 10 feet of space for this one to fill over time. In our gardens, we planted Vinca minor (Evergreen Periwinkle) as a groundcover around it to fill the space. If a smaller clump is desired you can root prune or use an in-ground Bamboo Root Barrier or grow plants in above- or below-ground containers to control spread.

Gardener Direct also carries Bamboo fertilizer and planting soil containing Biochar, a highly porous material that allows for long term water and nutrient holding capabilities. 

Uses

Containers/Pots: Excellent
Crafts: Good
Edible: Too small
Hedge: Excellent
Indoor: Excellent
Ornamental: Excellent
Privacy Screen: Excellent
Specimen: Excellent in containers or in ground
Wood Quality: Too small

Details

USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Type: Clumping
Height: 10'
Spread: 5-10' over time
Culm Diameter: 1/2"
Sun: Full Sun, Filtered Sun or Shade
Soil: Average, well-drained moist
Growth Rate: Very fast

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