How big does Rufa clumping bamboo grow?

About 2.5 m × 2 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1.8–3 m × 1.5–2.5 m.

What soil does Rufa clumping bamboo grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Rufa clumping bamboo hardy?

Hardy down to -26 °C (USDA zone 5, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far apart should Rufa clumping bamboo be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 1 plants per metre.

How much water does Rufa clumping bamboo need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Rufa clumping bamboo cost?

It sells for roughly €20 to €40 in local shops, depending on size.

Rufa clumping bamboo

Fargesia rufa

Rufa clumping bamboo (Fargesia rufa) is an ornamental grass that reaches 2.5 m × 2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -26 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €20.

Illustration of Rufa clumping bamboo — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A clump-forming bamboo that does not run, so you can plant it without a root barrier: the clump widens slowly but never wanders through the garden. It makes a low, arching bush with rusty-orange culm sheaths, and its dense evergreen foliage works as a lower screen or hedge. It is among the most sun and cold tolerant fargesias, but it wants moist, humus-rich soil and summer watering, plus afternoon shade in hot positions. In the trade you may also meet it as Fargesia dracocephala Rufa.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage can scorch and yellow in full sun and dry soil, so it will not look good without regular watering and afternoon shade. Avoid strongly calcareous soils and soils that dry out. Hard frost and drying winter wind can brown the leaves, but the rootstock survives severe cold and reshoots in spring. Slugs may eat the new shoots.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -26 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	1.8–3 m × 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -26 °C (USDA 5, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-50 cm	approx. €20
80-120 cm	approx. €40

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Plants for screening Evergreen plants Plants for containers Ornamental grasses

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

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