Jiuzhaigou '1' 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
Planting Position:For best results plant in a bright sunny spot, will also be happy in light shaded areas. Preferably away from exposed windy sites.
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 years into larger pots and fresh compost.
Eventual height and spread: Upto 3 metres high with a 2 metre spread.
Growth speed: Relatively quick.
Growth habit: Upright canes with a cascading foliage
Flowering Period: Not Applicable.
Pruning: Not Necessary
Foliage: Narrow pale green leaves on thin reddish canes.
Evergreen: Yes, but like most Bamboo Fargesia, Jiuzhaigou 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 -20
From a gardeners perspective, all forms of 'Jiuzhaigou' generally have smaller more delicate leaves than other fargesia species and in some cases more vivid and varied colour tones the brilliant red tones of Jiu '1' are most evident in the spring and Autumn. They show their best characteristics when grown in an area with morning sun for 2-4 hours, and shade for the hottest part of the day. Loamy, well draining soil is also important. 'Jiuzhaigou' will naturally shed about 30% of its foliage in late Autumn, to prepare for the winter. Whilst still dense enough to act as a screen, our personal opinion is 'Jiuzhaigou' works best in the landscape as a solitary specimen, either in the pot or ground. Try not to place it in close proximity to other tall, bushy plants. Due to their hardiness and upright form, they also make excellent container specimens. They are truly beautiful plants, with an airy, delicate leaf pattern and surprising colour changes throughout the different seasons. Easy to maintain and most garden worthy, even for small, urban spaces.
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.