Gansu 95-1 and Gansu 95-2
In spring 1995 I received a fax message from the Shanghai botanic garden, containing the following information:
One of their employees had collected two bamboos in the south of the Gansu province, possibly the species Fargesia spathacea and Fargesia nitida.
The fax also mentioned important data about the place of origin of these bamboos; collected between 1800 and 2500 meters altitude (5900 to 8200 feet) at latitude 34°20' north, longitude 106° east. Average annual temperature is 8° C (46.4° F), the winter minimum is -16.8° C (1.8° F), and the summer maximum 29.6° C (85.3° F).
They asked me if I was interested. I sure was, for these bamboos could do well over here (in the Netherlands, that is), so I had them sent to me.
Of both species we received a few small, but vital plants, which after a somewhat difficult start developed quite well. We decided to name them Gansu 95-1 and Gansu 95-2 for the present.


First experiences with Gansu 95-1
The young plants of Gansu 95-1 (named Fargesia spathacea by its Chinese collector) soon stood out because of their enormous vigor. The early shoots were fully developed by summer, and later that summer new shoots emerged for the second time and even these had leaves before winter set in.
In autumn I planted the largest one in my garden, but the following winter was a mild one, and therefore no real test for the hardiness of the plant, although I noticed that, as opposed to Fargesia murieliae and Fargesia nitida, the leaves did not curl up with drought, frost and direct sunlight. Even a partial shedding of leaves shortly before winter, as is common with many Fargesia species, was almost absent. The plant entered winter unchanged, with lots of deep green, shiny elegant leaves.
Then winter of 1996/97 came with very low temperatures and strong winds. The lowest recorded temperature in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, was -19° C (-2° F). Most bamboos in my garden were damaged to some extend, but the next spring, this bamboo drew everyone's attention, with a cloud of immaculate green leaves. Colleague Hans Prins confirmed the outstanding qualities of this bamboo. With a minimum of -21° C (-6° F) it had been even colder at his nursery in the north of the Netherlands, and in Max Riedelsheimer's garden near Munich, Germany, this bamboo endured the winter of 1999/2000 with even lower temperatures and sustained only minor damage. Long periods of very low temperature combined with dry continental winds however, cause more damage to this bamboo than to the leaf-curling types.

A new bamboo reveals itself
By now, we know more about Gansu 95-1. Already in April, as is the case with the clearly related Fargesia robusta, new shoots appear. Actually, too early in our climate, because the young shoots are sensitive to frost, which still can occur in this month. Fortunately, this bamboo has a second growth period in late summer, should it go wrong the first time.
Direct sunlight will be tolerated on a rich and not too dry soil, but light shade is ideal. Final height will be two to three meters, with densely foliated branches elegantly curving. New culms form 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) from the clump, so that after five years the area covered by the culms can reach a diameter of 1.5 meter (5 feet), and the overall width of the plant can exceed 3 meters (10 feet). So, compared to bamboos like Fargesia murieliae, it can cover a certain area two to three times as fast, by making quite long necks underground when forming new shoots. Fortunately Fargesias do not make horizontal runners which threaten ponds and pavements, and the roots stay close to the surface. As an easy to control wintergreen bamboo for a not too small spot this species surely is an asset. This new Fargesia should stand out well as a striking contrast in parks and big gardens. In these places the lively green leaves and the cloudy silhouette can create a dynamic contrast with the static deep green of for example rhododendron, cherry laurel and yew.

The name 'Fargesia rufa'
The Chinese collectors named this bamboo Fargesia spathacea, a name once wrongly assigned to Fargesia murieliae and later to Fargesia nitida, and this time too that name was wrong.
South Gansu produces just a few bamboo species. Yushania confusa was quickly ruled out and we already knew Fargesia dracocephala. Then the name Fargesia rufa came up. The visual resemblance to the two photos in the foremost Chinese work of reference 'A Compendium of Chinese Bamboo', the place of origin and the height of the plant seem to support this name. From this time on this well sounding name became generally accepted among growers and bamboo-lovers as Fargesia rufa was multiplied in large numbers, even by meristem tissue culture. 

Meanwhile new doubts have arisen about the name. At closer examination this bamboo combines properties of Fargesia dracocephala as well as Fargesia rufa, both native to the same area. Bamboos growing wild do not readily fit the man-made frames of the species.

With the name fargesia rufa commonly used, I suggest to call this bamboo Fargesia 'rufa' for the present. Should there be more clarity and conformity about the name, then the name of the species can easily be put in between Fargesia and 'rufa'.


Jos van der Palen

Translated by Theo Willems