Clumping Bamboo

Name: Clumping Bamboo
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 16865
Price: 63.1 USD
Availability: InStock

Fargesia rufa

Nature Hills Nursery

$63¹⁰

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Most varieties thrive in six or more hours of direct sun to maintain thick, lush foliage. While they can handle partial shade, the growth rate will be slower and the culms may stretch or lean as they hunt for more light.
Soil: These plants prefer rich, well drained soil that stays moist but never soggy. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in plenty of organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep watering twice a week to ensure the root ball establishes properly. Once mature, Clumping Bamboo is relatively drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture will cause the leaves to curl and drop prematurely. Think of the soil like a wrung-out sponge; it should stay consistently damp to support the plant's rapid growth and heavy foliage.

Pruning Tips

Clumping Bamboo produces new growth from the base, so you only need to prune to manage height or remove dead canes. In late winter or early spring, use sharp loppers to cut old, graying culms down to the ground to make room for vibrant new shoots. Toppling the tops of the canes is like giving the plant a haircut; it encourages the side branches to fill out, creating a denser privacy screen.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a nitrogen rich lawn food in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the fall because they can trigger soft, new growth that will easily be damaged by freezing winter temperatures. Providing a layer of organic mulch around the base also mimics a forest floor, naturally feeding the roots as it breaks down.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) is a fast-growing, fine-textured perennial plant with a gorgeous lacy, and iconic form that adds texture and movement to your garden without the worry it will take over your entire landscape!

The slender pointed narrow leaves are a lovely light grassy green with reddish tinges to the stems that start as red-orange shoots that quickly grow into tall and airy leafy stems! Bamboo is a fantastic fast-growing screening plant that puts up 6-10 feet of height and spreads into airy clumps 6-8 feet wide.

Spreading into dense clumps by rhizomes that shoot up into arching canes that quickly grow tall, Dragon Head Bamboo is a confident accent plant. Bamboo is a fantastic fast-growing screening plant that puts up 6-10 feet of height and spreads into airy clumps 6-8 feet wide.

Planting and Application:

Not only is Clumping Bamboo, also known as Dragon Head Bamboo, a must-have for Meditation gardens and Asian-inspired garden areas but also looks great around the Pool or outdoor seating areas! Clumping Bamboo works beautifully in planters and containers so even balcony gardeners and decks can enjoy pinpoint privacy and screening around the Pool. Add casters to your planters and create rolling screening that moves where you need it most!

These vigorous growing plants are deer resistant and can be used throughout the partial shade understory and out-of-the-way areas where fast fill and coverage are needed but there are larger trees and shrubs adding shade. Create fast hedges and property division to hide a messy or nosy neighbor, or those more utilitarian landscape aspects!

Not Invasive Clumping Bamboo
Bright Orange-Red Shoots in Spring
Fine-Textured Fast Growing Deciduous Grass
Arching Canes Add Height & Motion to the Landscape
Screening, Privacy, Fast Filler & Coverage

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This plant is easy to care for and grows nearly anywhere in full sun or shaded conditions. It needs well-drained soil, so create a raised planting bed if you suffer from poor drainage. It's best to avoid the hottest places in your landscape for the best performance. Water carefully to establish, and provide supplemental water during long periods of drought from then on. Prune once a year in late winter before new growth appears. Chop the dried shoots and use them as garden mulch in your other garden beds, or add them to your compost pile.

Grows in Full Sun to Part Shade
Well-Drained Soil
Moist to Average Watering Needs
Prune Back Early Spring
Easy Care & Low-Maintenance

Non-invasive Clumping Bamboo will fill your landscape fast with lacy greenery and motion while helping you feel relaxed and refreshed! Order yours today at Nature Hills!

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Growing Zones 5-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a rhizome barrier with clumping bamboo?

No, clumping bamboo doesn't require a rhizome barrier since it spreads in controlled clumps rather than aggressively running. This Fargesia rufa forms dense 6-8 foot wide clumps that won't take over your landscape. Simply plant it where you want permanent screening or privacy.

Does bamboo grow better in sun or shade?

Clumping bamboo thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions, making it versatile for various garden locations. This adaptable plant works especially well in understory areas with dappled light from larger trees. Shop clumping bamboo at naturehills.com for reliable screening in any light condition.

What height will clumping bamboo reach at maturity?

Clumping bamboo (Fargesia rufa) reaches 6-10 feet tall at maturity with a spread of 6-8 feet wide. The fast-growing arching canes create an airy, screening effect perfect for privacy. Plant in well-drained soil and allow adequate space for the mature clump size.

When is the best time of year to plant bamboo?

Spring through early fall is ideal for planting clumping bamboo, giving roots time to establish before winter. Plant after the last frost when soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above freezing. Choose a well-drained location and water regularly the first season.

Which clumping bamboo varieties are cold hardy?

Fargesia rufa (Dragon Head Bamboo) is one of the most cold-hardy clumping varieties, tolerating harsh winters while reaching 6-10 feet tall. This non-invasive bamboo forms dense clumps 6-8 feet wide with attractive red-orange spring shoots. Shop cold-hardy clumping bamboo at naturehills.com.