Similar in form to the Campbell cultivar, Fargesia robusta Green Screen™ has also become extremely popular in the landscape trade. The original plant named 'Pingwu' was collected in 1997 by famed European bamboo nurseryman Jos van der Palen of Kimmei Nursery. It was collected at nearly 9,000 feet in elevation very close to where the Campbell form was collected. This variant was selected for large scale tissue culture by Jan Oprins of Bamboo Select in Belgium. He chose this particular form of Fargesia robusta based on the exceptional vigor and superior plant characteristics. My friends at Bamboo Select US have recently made this plant available in the United States for the first time. It is propagated locally at a tissue culture lab in McMinnville, Oregon. 

Fargesia robusta Green Screen™ has larger flatter leaves than 'Campbell'. In our garden it also tends to make a slightly wider clump. Like the Campbell cultivar this bamboo can handle full sun in Portland with no sign of distress as well as full shade. If possible some protection from the hot sun during the summer months will help maintain it's dark green coloring. The non-invasive rhizome structure, erect stature, and dense green foliage make it an excellent choice for a privacy screen or a tall thick hedge. Fargesia robusta Green Screen™ is wind and drought tolerant for Gorge folks and for people who like low maintenance "easy care" plants.

In my opinion to achieve the maximum growth potential here in Portland (12 to 15 feet tall) you'll need to mulch around the base of the plant each year, provide adequate summer irrigation and feed with an organic grass fertilizer 3 to 4 times per season. In windy areas or drought conditions this bamboo will most likely be shorter in height.

This bamboo sells out quickly each season so don't hesitate to obtain one when you see it available.