Some bamboo species immediately attract attention, but only 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. It is hard to predict the mature size of this bamboo because it is so new. Scabrida shoots in early spring with prolific new culm production like Fargesia dracocephala 'Rufa' which it may be related to. Plant it as a single specimen for a fountain of bamboo or use several planted close together for a very dense screen or hedge. Scabrida tolerates full sun in the northwest but like most Fargesia looks its best in partial shade. It is still extremely rare in US cultivation and a special bamboo for collectors. We have a very limited amount of divisions at very reasonable prices for such a new introduction. This species is a tissue cultured propagation from Bamboo Select®.

2008 Update - 10 feet tall, shows no winter cold damage or sign of drought distress during the summer. Very impressive bamboo!