I got this plant for a song at a local garden centre. It was among the normal perennials and was the only bamboo in the bunch (I'm sure they did not know what it was!!!). Anyway, I thought it was Fargesia sp. 'Rufa' or whatever that is now called. It struggled for the first 2 years but has really come into it's own now. It is maybe 3' tall and has been growing in the woodland (should read 'scrubland') here for 3 years now. Pics below:

It is a little difficult to pick out of the background:










Any help is appreciated.

My guess would be a Peoblastis such as Humilis or Pseudosasa Japonica in an immature form,

Actually, it could be a Fargesa, if it has not spread any,

P.S. It is hardy in zone 4b/5a...

Paul - I think your initial instincts were correct with F. sp. 'Rufa' or is it properly called F. dracocephala 'Rufa' Some even say F. rufa.

Great plant but it needs a lot of space.

I wonder if there is much variation in the Rufas in Gansu. It would be nice to see the range of variation in this tough one. Anyone up for a trip to Gansu?

johnw

_________________
johnw coastal Nova Scotia

I would agree with johnw, it looks like rufa.

_________________
TC
http://gardenitis.blogspot.com/

Paul - re: your mystery This suddenly came back to me. When I visited my friend in the Valley yesterday he asked me which bamboo this was. In a split second I thought Scabrida or Rufa from a distance but as we approached it was obviously Rufa. But as I stood there I kept wondering how Scabrida would differ at the same height. You have to wonder if the two are not related, even the same species. I don't have enough experience with Scabrida just having bought one so this is all by pure visuals and has nothing to do with taxonomy. Maybe if the hardiness is comparable we have a taller Rufa in Scabrida?????? Could get run out of town for this suggestion!

johnw

_________________
johnw coastal Nova Scotia