Fargesia Scabrida Asian Wonder Bamboo [Clump-forming Bamboo]

Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder Garden Qualities: Asian Wonder Bamboo has an outstanding culm colouration, evergreen clump-forming bamboo. Ideal for hedges, privacy fences or large pots and containers. Asian Wonder thrives in the UK.

It's winterhardy and tolerant to different soil types.

Clumping Bamboo Plants for Sale

We’ve compiled a list of reputable Garden retailers in the UK where you can buy the right bamboo at the right price. 

Find out where to buy clumping bamboo plants from the UK Home & Garden retailers online.

Bamboo plants for sale: Crocus and YouGarden

Common Features of Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

• Identification: Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder, Fargesia robusta 'Asian Wonder', Red Umbrella Bamboo.
• Foliage: slender green drooping leaves.
• Culm colour: Beautiful purplish red, matures to green.
• Height: Small-medium bamboo, reaches 3m.
• Spread: Clump-forming, non-invasive bamboo.

Growth requirement

• Site: Full sun to partial shade, colouration not prominent in shade.
• Soil: well-drained, moist soil.
• Use: Hedge, narrow privacy fence, large pot and containers.
• Hardiness: very hardy, tolerant to -20 degrees Celsius.

Grow Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

Fargesia Asian Wonder is a clump-forming Umbrella Bamboo, also known as the Fargesia Robusta Asian Wonder. 

This bamboo is a standout among the Fargesia group due to its beautiful stem colouration which starts purplish bright red and eventually changes to green as it matures.

The thick drooping leaves and upright culms are ideal for garden hedging or natural privacy fencing. It is also an excellent choice for individual plants and large pots and containers.

This clump-forming evergreen bamboo thrives in well-drained moist soil. It does not like compacted soils or very dry soil.

The leaves and culms' colourations are prominent where there is enough sun. 

To get the best of this bamboo, plant it where there is enough sunlight. Ideally, away from the shade of larger trees and buildings.

If you grow Fargesia Asian Wonder in pots and containers, ensure that it receives enough light.

Fargesia Bamboo Care

Asian Wonder, like other Umbrella Bamboo plants, is tolerant to different soil types and seasonal weather changes.

Although this bamboo is undemanding, it will need care. Its roots and leaves are susceptible to dry soil conditions and frozen soil.

If the bamboo leaves turn yellow or curl, or the culms browning indicate that the soil

• lacks nutrients, or
• is too dry, or
• is compacted.

Take immediate action to revive your bamboo before the new bamboo growths appear in Spring.

Add fertilisers or organic mulch such as bark or grass cuttings mixed with bark and twigs to keep the soil moist. Do something to improve the soil condition.

Bamboo protection

Here are some pointers for protecting bamboo when planting a new plant or propagating the cuttings. 

Although bamboo plants are undemanding, the new plants and tall plants are susceptible to natural threats.

Here are some tips for protecting Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

• Grow the bamboo away from windy locations.
• Slugs like the new shoots and rhizome tips. Add Slug and Snail Killer (early in Spring) to protect the new growths.
• Apply NPK or organic fertiliser and mulch (early in Spring).
• Prune and remove old culms (4 – 5 years old) to promote new growth.
• Tie back or direct new culms into the cluster (Base-clumps).

Propagate Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

There are four ways to propagate bamboo. Propagation by:

• Seed,
• Culm and Rhizome Cuttings,
• Culm-base Separation, or
• Conventional Branch Layering.

Propagating the Umbrella Bamboo plants by separation is probably the most reliable method in the UK, it gives the best result too.

Most Fargesia bamboo plants, including newly introduced varieties like Scabrida Asian Wonder, are tolerant to pests and diseases in the UK. 

Nevertheless, the new shoots and rhizomes tips are prone to slugs attacks. Slugs love the tender new growths.

When propagating bamboo plants, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer. The slugs can wipe off the tender growths if left unprotected. 

[This video shows Slugs damaging new bamboo shoots in one visit]

20+ Fargesia Bamboo Varieties

Umbrella Bamboos Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder and Simba are known to have been in Europe, a fairly recent inclusion to the Fargesia nitida and Fargesia Murielae varieties.

Unsurprisingly, these bamboo plants are growing in popularity and are favourites among many UK gardeners.

Here are 6 umbrella bamboo plants that thrive in the UK, ideal for small spaces, gardens and contained spaces:

1. Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
2. Robusta Campbell Umbrella Bamboo
3. Fargesia murielae 'Jumbo'
4. Nitida Obelisk Hybrid Umbrella Bamboo
5. Fargesia Nitida Winter Joy Fountain Bamboo
6. Fergasia murielae Standing Stone

Grow Clump-forming Bamboo Plants

Bamboos are amazing plants. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations.

Although some varieties (Phyllostachys) are invasive, they are easily manageable. Once established, you only have to check on them and enjoy the evergreen plant.

The Fargrsia murielae varieties are non-spreading, form clusters of rigorous stems and are evergreen all year round. They are best for hedges and privacy screens or in small gardens as ornamental plants.

The Umbrella Bamboo thrives in pots and containers, and in small spaces like the terrace and balconies. 

Let us know what your requirements are – we will suggest a bamboo that is right for you based on the qualities and features of the bamboo plants. 

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