Fargesia sp. 'Rufa'
aka Fargesia dracocephala 'Rufa'
 

Maximum Height: 10' (avg. 7'), Cane Diameter: ½"
Hardiness:  -15º F
USDA zone 5 through 9, not for climates with high heat and humidity (southeastern states).

 A beautiful and very hardy Fargesia with new culms that have attractive rusty reddish sheaths and a clumping root system. This new introduction is proving to be one of the most hardy and versatile clumping bamboo in the landscape. It is a shorter Fargesia, only about 10 feet tall when mature, but a vigorous grower, sending up many new culms each season. The new culms leaf out early in the summer, making it an excellent choice where its rapid growth is desired. Like Fargesia dracocephala and Fargesia robusta, its leaves do not curl in the sun, but it is hardier than either of these. Yet like all Fargesias, it should be planted with protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.

We have customers who have grown very successful evergreen screens, using Fargesia sp. Rufa in places such as Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee, Missouri, Idaho, South Carolina, and many other states.  It has proved to be the most versatile, hardy clumping bamboo in our selection.  Unfortunately it cannot handle the high heat and humidity of the southern gulf states. If you need a clumping hedge that gets 8 to 10 feet tall, with a beautiful, evergreen leaf texture, Rufa will not disappoint, just remember, afternoon shade is preferred.  
 
Recently suggested by Chris Stapleton to be the original "Dragon's Head Bamboo" (Fargesia dracocephala) described by Chinese botanists.

Close up showing rusty red culm sheaths.

Photo copyright: Ned Jaquith, Bamboo Garden
A nice Fargesia sp. Rufa growing along a water canal in Holland.
Click on link to see larger picture

 

Photo copyright Noah Bell, Bamboo Garden, 2012
A large order of Fargesia sp. Rufa in the # 1 size, scheduled to be shipped out on a windy spring day.