Fargesia Malachite Monkeys - Non-running bamboo

Fargesia Malachite Monkeys is a non-running, compact bamboo that is easy to grow. This variety is particularly appreciated for creating low hedges that can be shaped into squares, as well as topiaries in pots, in the form of spheres, cubes, or cones. Its foliage is truly captivating, with very small leaves in a beautiful green shade reminiscent of malachite. Its dense vegetation is a definite asset for creating superb clumps, either as standalone plants or in containers. Hardy and adaptable, it can thrive in most ordinary soils, in sunny or partially shaded locations.

Fargesia is a plant belonging to the Poaceae family, formerly known as Gramineae. It produces woody stems that develop from a non-running rhizomatous rootstock, known as clumping. In this type of bamboo, the rhizomes, which have particularly short internodes, slowly spread at the periphery of the rootstock, gradually widening it, but they also grow towards the centre of the clump, keeping it dense and full. Another great advantage is that there is no risk of being invaded by rhizome shoots far away from the main clump.
This cultivar 'Malachite Monkeys' is a recent horticultural variety from the Well Born Bamboo Africa range, obtained through seed propagation and selection of the best specimens at the turn of the 21st century. Originating from China, it is not expected to flower for at least 90 years, which is reassuring as flowering leads to the death of the plant. The parentage of this seedling bamboo is not clearly established, but its morphology is quite different from that of the typical Fargesia murielae.
This variety is much shorter, if allowed to grow freely. However, this is of little interest as it responds so well to pruning that it would be a shame not to take advantage of it... It forms a very dense clump consisting of multiple slender canes, with a maximum diameter of 10 mm. Adorned with leaves from the ground up, this clump opens up in a V shape towards the top, becoming almost as wide as it is tall. Initially the same green as the foliage, the narrow canes turn brown-purple to black from the second year, with the tips remaining green. The leaf sheaths have a cream to slightly orangish colour and quickly fall to the ground. They leave a somewhat bluish mark on the canes, which fades away after a few weeks.
The leaves are small, measuring approximately 4 cm in length and only 0.5 cm in width. Visually very attractive due to their small size, they are also a beautiful malachite green colour. The canes are very dense and the leaves are numerous and form an opaque curtain when this bamboo is planted as a hedge. When pruned with shears, it can be maintained at a height of 1 to 2 metres (beyond that, it would not be dense enough). When grown in a container, it can easily be shaped with shears to create a superb decorative topiary. The small foliage blends excellently with the limited volume of the plant. Not susceptible to diseases or particular insect sensitivities, this variety can advantageously replace boxwood, which has been attacked by box tree moth for years.
It is very hardy, down to -25°C, and capable of growing in both full sun and shade. It thrives in neutral to acidic soils and can tolerate some limestone. Like its counterparts, it appreciates a certain level of soil moisture, but the soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. It can be planted in full sun, especially in northern regions, or in partial shade further south.

With its unique foliage, this Malachite Monkeys bamboo is attractive for planting as a low hedge or in a pot. Non-invasive and compact, it is perfectly suited for small gardens and contemporary settings. Planted in a beautiful terracotta pot, it will enhance your terrace throughout the year. You can pair it with other small plants to create a welcoming and ornamental scene. For an architectural touch, consider the Bamboo Palm, or Rhapis Excelsa, which is magnificent with its open green fronds and slender dark stems resembling bamboo canes. In colder climates, you will need to protect it during winter, but the rest of the year, what a spectacle! To maintain an exotic theme, Calamondin (Citrus madurensis) will delight you with its small orange fruits in winter. And if you prefer hardy plants, why not try a dwarf fruit tree, such as the Griotella Cherry Tree or the Garden Pearl Pear Tree, both self-fertile and offering delicious fruits...