Fargesia murielae aka Umbrella Bamboo

Fargesia murielae, or umbrella bamboo, belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. It comes from Sichuan and western Hubei in China. Its native range has a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Older names include Sinarundinaria murielae and Arundinaria murielae. This evergreen bamboo grows as a clump. It keeps its green leaves through all four seasons.

The canes arch outward, giving the plant its curved outline. Young canes are bright green and turn yellow-green with age. Bright green, lanceolate leaves reach about four inches long. The RHS describes plants around 8–11 feet (2.5–3.5 metres) tall, sometimes taller. Its garden size range extends to 13 feet (4 metres). Clumps spread about 3–5 feet (1–1.5 metres) across. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. Both the leaves and the changing cane colour provide interest.

Partial shade gives this bamboo its preferred growing position. It also tolerates full sun and some wind. The RHS lists sheltered sites for garden planting. North-, east-, and west-facing positions all suit it. Choose fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. Clay and loam both suit its needs. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This covers winter lows of roughly 5–14°F (−15 to −10°C). It also suits growing in a container.

Its arching canes bring shape to beds and borders. Gardeners can use it for hedges or screens. It fits courtyard gardens and patio containers. The RHS also lists cottage and informal gardens as suitable settings. Thin the clump to make the canes easier to see. In spring, remove dead, damaged, weak, or thin stems. Divide plants in spring to make new ones. Sections of young rhizomes can also serve as cuttings.

The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. Slugs may harm the new shoots as they emerge. Check this tender growth for damage during routine care. The RHS advises prompt removal of shoots that flower. This aims to limit further flowering on the plant. The supplied evidence gives no flowering season or fruit details. It also provides no basis for claims about edible parts or toxicity.