Fargesia Robusta Formidable - Fountain Bamboo Formidable

Fargesia Robusta Formidable is a non-spreading non-invasive bamboo with evergreen foliage and pale canes that quickly grows to 4 metres in height. It’s an excellent choice for evergreen screening, hedging screens, Japanese gardens, and containers.

Fargesia Robusta bamboos are native to Sichuan in China where they grow in moist soils in full sun or full shade. It’s often called Fountain Bamboo due to its habit of cascading gently at its tips to create a tall fountain effect. Fargesia Robusta Formidable is an excellent fast-growing cultivar of Fountain Bamboo. It’s an evergreen perennial that keeps its green leaves year-round and adds new foliage in spring. One of this variety’s best attributes is its non-spreading clump-forming habit that prevents it from spreading into an invasive nuisance.

Height And Spread of Fargesia Robusta Formidable
Within a few years Fountain Bamboo Formidable will top 4 metres in height and bush out to about a metre across.

How Hardy Is Fargesia Robusta Formidable
It’s hardy in minus temperatures if the roots are well-drained, but harsh drying winds may damage the foliage.

How to Use Fargesia Robusta Formidable
Perfect for fast-growing screens, dividers, and hedges Fountain Bamboo Formidable is a swiftly growing bamboo that’s bushy enough to block out the neighbours and create shade for seating areas in the hotter months.

You can grow it in large well-watered and fed containers, but be sure to weigh them down in windy weather. Balcony gardens, patios and decks benefit from a pot of fountain bamboo and it will grow there happily with moist roots creating gentle rustles each time the breeze passes through. 

How To Care For Fargesia Robusta Formidable
Fountain Bamboo Formidable is easy to grow and needs little attention once it’s established.
It prefers consistently moist soil in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates the majority of soil types and will cope with an exposed spot, but harsh winds will damage the foliage.
Pruning isn’t required as this is a non-invasive clump-forming bamboo with a naturally attractive fountain shape.
A thick layer of mulch in early spring is appreciated, and be sure to water it well until established and then regularly in the hot months if it’s growing in a container.