Bamboo 'Gansu'

A relatively new introduction to the UK market, 'Gansu' is a selection of Fargesia nitida that is specifically noted for its extremely dark, almost black-purple culms when young. This clumping bamboo offers a very fine, delicate texture with its small, narrow leaves. It has an elegant, weeping habit, forming a graceful fountain of foliage approximately 3 metres tall. Like other nitida types, it is exceptionally hardy (H6) and well-suited to the cooler parts of the UK. It is a non-invasive species, so it is safe to plant near borders or foundations. It thrives in partial shade and is particularly useful for brightening up darker corners of the garden, though the culms darken most effectively with some light. It requires a cool, moist root zone and can struggle in very hot, dry sites. It is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, architectural specimen or soft screening.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.