Some bamboo species immediately attract attention, others for some reason just get overlooked but later are their secrets revealed. This is the case with Fargesia sp. Scabrida in particular. Collected in the late 1970's at an elevation of 2,700 m (8,858 feet) at Pingwu in north Sichuan province of China. Based on the collection site it should be considerably hardy to several degrees below zero. Scabrida was confused with Fargesia nitida (Blue Fountain Bamboo) for a long time and virtually ignored for several years. It was only in the late 1990's that this bamboo was recognized again for it's potential and re-introduced into cultivation by famed nurseryman Jos Van der Palen in the Netherlands.

The strong color contrast between the orange-brown culm sheaths and the young purple culms that turn to olive green with age are especially attractive. This bamboo is non-invasive clump forming, stands erect and is expected eventually to grow to 15 feet tall or taller in our mild Northwest climate. Fargesia scabrida pushes up new culms in early spring like Fargesia robusta but with more amazing prolific production. A small plant becomes substantial in a few short seasons. Plant it as a single specimen for a large fountain of bamboo or use several planted close together for a very dense screen or hedge. Fargesia scabrida tolerates full sun in the northwest but like most Fargesia looks its best in partial shade. Once established it is very drought and wind tolerant. This bamboo is still rare in US cultivation.