Planting Position: For best results Fargesia Simba should be planted in a bright sunny spot, will also be happy in light shaded areas, equally happy in ground or pot.
Soil: A highly adaptable plant for all soil types, however it is not suited to wet, boggy ground.
Suitable for container planting: Yes a perfect choice for containers, will need repotting approximately every 2-3 years into larger pots and fresh compost.
Eventual height and spread: Maximum 2 metres high with a 50-80cm metre spread.
Growth speed: Relatively quick.
Growth habit: Upright canes similar to Fargesia Jumbo in looks but a smaller version all round, height, spread, foliage
Flowering Period: Not Applicable.
Pruning: Not Necessary
Foliage: Narrow pale green leaves on mid green canes Evergreen: Yes, but like most Bamboo Fargesia Simba will shed some older foliage in late Autumn through to early Winter, this is not a cause for concern and is perfectly normal, they will soon be replaced when the temperatures start to rise in spring.
Hardiness: Whole of the UK to -30
Simba are a highly adaptable Fargesia. For best results Plant in any free draining soil damp soil. In early spring feed with a liquid food with a high nitrogen content, this will help promote new growth and give the plant a boost after the dormant period. In summer a slow release fertiliser is preferable. As with most plants, especially Bamboo always ensure the plant has an adequate water supply especially when planted in a container. This Bamboo requires no special treatment or requirements during the winter months
Are they evergreen
Bamboo are an evergreen, perennial and a member of the grass family. Fast growing, they take up very little lateral space and yet they can reach fabulous heights extremely quickly, making bamboo a very cost effective choice when you need screening fast! They will naturally shed some leaf during the winter months.
How much water do they need
Like any other plant, bamboo needs three basic things in order to survive. Soil, sun and water. And as a gardener, one of your greatest responsibilities is to provide your bamboo with water. They are an incredibly thirsty plant and will require watering on a daily basis especially during hot periods. .
Will it need a root barrier
Fargesia are a non invasive clumping bamboo and will not require a root barrier. Phyllostachys, Aureosulcata and Pseudosasa are all ‘runners’ which can be either planted in a larger pot or with a root barrier in the ground.
How quickly will it grow
This really is dependent on watering sunshine and care. You would hope to achieve at least another third in growth during the growing season.
How far apart should I plant them
Space mature plants 1 metre apart to form a dense screen. Fast Growing varieties can be planted a little further apart if you don't mind waiting longer for them to fill in the gaps.
A tree that requires virtually no maintenance, its fully hardy and being a pot grown multi stem does not even require a stake. Can be planted in all soil types, it does best in a moist well drained area in full sun through to partial shade. Remove any winter damaged branches in spring.
