Fargesia Nitida Sichuan Bamboo

Fargesia nitida Sichuan or Green Dragon Bamboo
The Fargesia nitida sp ‘Sichuan’ is a form of clumping bamboo. Its origins can be traced back to the Sichuan province of China. This unique bamboo was first introduced to Europe by Jan Oprins under the name of Green Dragon Bamboo. The Sichuan bamboo's non-invasive characteristics, lacy foliage appearance, and upright growth habits make it a new generation of bamboo that many gardeners enjoy. 
Unlike other typical bamboo plants, the foliage of the Fargesia nitida Sichuan is very thin and strap-like. These slender leaves create a delicate feathery appearance that is exceptionally dense. The bamboo’s black culms stand out in stark contrast to the soft green foliage colours. Depending on sun exposure, the appearance of the culms typically varies in hue from green to burnished red to black.
The Fargesia nitida Sichuan grows to an erect height of 4 to 5 meters. Its clumping growth grows spreads in diameter to about 1 meter over a ten year period. The plant’s relatively slow and contained growth makes it an excellent bamboo choice to grow in a pot on a terrace, balcony or patio. 
Relatively cold hardy, the Fargesia nitida Sichuan tolerates a temperature drop down to -24 degrees Celsius. In areas with colder temperatures, the bamboo should be grown in pots and moved to a sheltered location to afford it protection from frigid temperatures. 
Plant the Fargesia nitida Sichuan in an area of the garden that features partial shade for optimum growth. The bamboo tolerates full sun exposure but during the heat of the summer, its foliage frequently becomes damaged if not protected from the intensity of the afternoon rays. The slender leaves will start to curl. It also does not tolerate high humidity. 
The Fargesia nitida Sichuan prefers a planting location with well-draining soil that is high in humus. Once planted, it requires very little supplemental care. A fertilizer application in the spring is generally all that is needed to keep the bamboo healthy and steadily growing.
If you are seeking a clumping bamboo that has non-invasive habits and is visually striking than look no further than the Fargesia nitida Sichuan. The plant's cold tolerance, pristine beauty, and ease of growth are all characteristics that make the upright bamboo a valuable addition to any garden.