Fargesia Rufa (non-invasive bamboo)

Fargesia Rufa (bamboo)

Like its relatives, Fargesia Rufa is rather compact. If you start pruning it, then it will become even more dense which gives you lots of shelter. If using this bamboo as hedging we recommend pruning in May or June and again in August. Rufa bamboo is also suitable for planting in a pot or container, or as a solitary plant.

Growing the non-invasive Rufa bamboo

The Fargesia Rufa originally comes from China. Rufa bamboo plants are winter hardy to around -25 degrees Celsius. If you plant yours in a pot, it will need a sheltered spot in the winter.

Why go for Fargesia Rufa bamboo hedging?

• Fargesia Rufa is real asset for your garden. That’s partly because of its bushy appearance.
• The bamboo plant is also winter hardy to some -25 degrees Celsius.
• It’s a very strong plant that you’ll be able to enjoy for life.
• You can plant it absolutely anywhere; in every garden and home, whether grown as hedging or as a solitary plant.
• It grows fast, but is fortunately non-invasive.
• If you like privacy Rufa bamboo is the plant for you. It forms a thick hedge.
• Pruning is not really necessary. If you do prune yours, we recommend doing so twice a year.
• The rustling of the leaves will bring a sense of tranquillity to your garden.

When is the best time to plant your Fargesia Rufa bamboo?

The best time to plant your Fargesia Rufa is from end February/early March to late autumn. If you plant yours at the end of this period, make sure you protect the roots. You should do this with a thick layer of leaves or straw.

How do you plant a Fargesia Rufa bamboo hedge?

1. Make sure that there are no weeds in the soil where you’ll be planting your bamboo.
2. Dig a big trench; one which is twice as wide as the root ball. You can make sure your trench is straight by stretching out a piece of string before you start digging.
3. First loosen the soil in the trench.
4. Mix the loose earth with garden compost.
5. Position the bamboo plants next to the trench exactly where you want to plant them. Once you’re happy with the spacing, soak the root ball in water and place the plants in the trench.
6. Do not position the plant too deep or too high. The top of the root ball should be a little lower than ground level.
7. Fill the trench with soil again and press this down firmly.
8. Give the plants plenty of water after planting. You should do this regularly, certainly if there’s no or hardly any rain. Of course, the roots shouldn’t dry out.

Tips

• If you prefer a low or narrow hedge, we advise against buying Fargesia Rufa. These are meant for high hedges as they can become between two and three metres high and one metre wide. To ensure you have a low and narrow hedge, buy a different hedging plant.
• Rufa isn’t fussy about the type of soil in your garden. But do make sure that the soil is well-drained and humus-rich.
• As we’ve already mentioned, this bamboo plant prefers standing soil that is damp, but not too wet. Our tip for you is to give the bamboo plenty of water each time (and not too often) instead of watering a little every day.

Positioning

• The bamboo plant Fargesia Rufa likes the feeling of sun on its ‘face’ so plant yours in full sun or half shade.
• This bamboo can become between two and three metres high and one metre wide. That’s why for smaller sized plants you should plant four plants per linear metre and proportionally fewer per metre for larger plants.
• For an optimal result, make sure the top of the root ball is somewhat lower than ground level.

Advice and Care

Pruning
As you’ve read, it’s not necessary to prune your Fargesia Rufa. If you do want to do this, prune your plant in May or June and again in August.

Water
Fargesia Rufa likes moist soil. So make sure you give the root ball a good drenching before planting your bamboo in the soil. You should then keep the soil moist. But it shouldn’t be too wet as this bamboo doesn’t like constantly wet feet. If there’s hardly any or no rain, you should definitely water your plant regularly.

Fertilizer
Fargesia Rufa can be planted in many types of soil. But do make sure that the soil is humus-rich. Mix garden compost through the soil before planting your bamboo. You can also feed your plant with organic fertilizer.

Treating common bamboo problems
What luck. Fargesia Rufa is not or hardly sensitive to mould, disease or pests. It’s an extremely healthy plant.

Advantages and disadvantages of Fargesia Rufa (bamboo)

Advantages

• The plant prefers a spot in the full sun or half shade.
• In principle, it can be planted in any type of soil as long it’s humus-rich!
• This plant is easy to prune.
• Fargesia Rufa is extremely strong. You’ll be able to enjoy it for decades.
• This bamboo hardly suffers any disease or infestations.

Disadvantages

• It hates having constantly wet feet. So don’t overwater yours.
• If you prefer a low or narrow hedge, you should choose another plant as Fargesia Rufa is not suitable for this.

Conclusion

Fargesia Rufa is a non-invasive and winter hardy bamboo that’s a real asset for your garden, with its stunning look and pleasant character. It’s really easy to care for and can be planted almost anywhere. And it offers you a lot of privacy. Ideal, isn’t it?
If you’re convinced, order your Fargesia Rufa now. Then you’ll have your plants as soon as possible and you can start enjoying them. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our customer services.