Fargesia murielae Simba qualities: Bamboo Simba is a small Fargesia murielae bamboo, best for small gardens and contained spaces. Tough and undemanding small bamboo with dense foliage loves shade, forms an arching stem with stout branches and broad leaves.
This clump-forming small bamboo stands at only 2m at full height and spreads up to 3m, is non-invasive, and thrives in the UK.
Characteristics of Fargesia murielae Simba
- Identification: Fargesia murielae Simba, Umbrella Bamboo.
- Foliage: Dense compacted evergreen.
- Culm colour: Yellow-green.
- Height: small bamboo, 2m.
- Spread: 2 – 3 m clump-forming, non-spreading bamboo.
- Perennial: lasts 10 – 15 years, even more.
- Uses: Pots or containers, hedge or screen, undergrowth (ideal for small gardens, roof terraces or contained spaces).
Growth requirements
- Site: Prefers shade.
- Soil: well-drained moist, loam or sand and clay.
- Hardiness: -15 degrees Celsius.
Grow Fargesia murielae Simba
Bamboo Simba is an ideal choice for its non-invasiveness and miniature decorative appearance. It is prominent as a small bamboo at a height of 2m. This hardy bamboo thrives in small, confined spaces.
Fargesia murielae Simba has the finest and toughest among the Fargesia murielae group see, the complete clump-forming bamboo collection here.
This evergreen bamboo forms a tight cluster of dense growth low down due to arching branches and dense slender foliage. An ideal bamboo for small gardens, terraces, patios and containers.
Buy Fargesia murielae Simba
Umbrella Bamboo Simba is an ideal choice for low-growing hedges or screens, as undergrowth in small gardens, in pots and containers, or on a roof terrace.
To buy Simba, click on the link/s where you’ll be directed straight to UK’s top Bamboo sellers online. (Let us know if you have a particular choice of bamboo that we can help with).
Bamboo Plants and Supplies | UK Suppliers |
Bamboo Collections | |
Fargesia Bamboo Plants | |
Black, Green & Yellow Bamboo Plants | |
Bamboo-based Eco Products | |
Best Hand Tools for Digging Bamboo | |
Phyllostachys Bamboo Plants |
Nurture Fargesia murielae Simba
Growing clump-forming bamboo in a non-native climate requires care and protection, especially when they are newly planted.
Although most bamboo plants are tolerant of pests and diseases, there is a number of natural threats to be aware of. Mitigating these early threats is the best thing to do to protect the new growth.
Here are the common threats of Bamboo Simba.
The new leaves, shoots and rhizomes tips low down on the ground are susceptible to slug attack.
- Frozen soil can cause damage to the root hairs and rhizomes.
- Over-watering can damage the plant.
- Very high temperatures and heat can cause yellowing and curling leaves.
- Simba does not like compacted hard soil.
- Poor soil condition.
Protect Fergasia Murielae Bamboo Simba
To avoid the natural threats to your bamboo plants, do these:
- Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
- Add organic mulch.
- Check the soil moisture.
The Simba Bamboo plants do not need fertilisers if you are using nutrient-rich soil. Generally, the bamboo plants thrive in well-aerated loam, or sand and loose clay soil.
In some cases, the mature plants will need feed, especially in Spring. Apply NPK fertiliser if/when necessary. Alternatively, organic mulch to improve the moisture and soil condition.
Slugs and Snails Killer | |
Feeds and Fertilisers | |
Rhizomes/Roots Barrier | |
Heavy Duty Pots and Planters |
Propagate Fargesia Murielae Bamboo
Generally, there are three ways to propagate bamboo from the seeds, or by culm and rhizome cuttings, or by culm separation. Propagating Fargesia murielae Simba by separation is the best way to get new plants.
As mentioned earlier, though Bamboo Simba is tolerant to pests and diseases in the UK, slugs love the tender new growths.
If you are propagating bamboo plants or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer around the new plants. 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
Fargesia murielae Simba (umbrella bamboo) is known to have been in Europe since the 1970s, it’s fairly in a new variety in the UK. There are over 20 Fargesia nitida and Fargesia Murielae varieties that grow well in the UK.
Here are 5 small bamboo plants for the contained spaces and small gardens:
- Black Pearl Fountain Bamboo
- Fargesia Nitida Viking
- Rufa Chinese Fountain Bamboo
- Nitida Pillar Bamboo
- Fargesia nitida Jiuzhaigou Bamboo
Click here to see the Small Bamboo Collection.
Fargesia murielae and Fargesia nitida bamboo plants
We did extensive research on the popular bamboo plants in the UK and, carefully, gathered the qualities and features so that you can find the one that suits you.
Check out our collections of over 20 Fargesia murielae and Fargesia nitida bamboo plants on our Featured Bamboo page. Alternatively, use the search bar (on the right) if you are looking for a particular bamboo.
One of the common bamboo plants in the UK is the Fargesia Scabrida Asian Wonder. It has outstanding features that rival Simba. Other alternatives are also shown in the table.
Variety and Common Name | Suitability |
Small gardens, pots and containers | |
Gardens, pots and containers | |
Garden, driveway and privacy screen | |
Garden, driveway and privacy screen | |
Privacy screen, hedge, garden feature, pots and containers | |
Privacy screen, hedge, garden feature, pots and containers | |
Ideal for a walkthrough, large garden, or woodland forest |
Small Garden Bamboo Plants
Bamboos are amazing plants. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations. Although some varieties (Phyllostachys) are invasive, they are manageable. Once establish, you only have to check on them and enjoy the evergreen plant.
The Fargesia varieties at non-invasive, and form clusters of rigorous stems and clumps, best for small gardens.
These clump-forming, non-invasive bamboo plants are ideal for small hedges and individual plants. They thrive in pots and containers, and in small spaces like the terrace and balconies.
In the UK, these fast-growing plants can grow an average of 0.5 – 1.0m in Spring, reaching their full maturity in 3 – 5 years and last for over 10 years.
Interestingly, the Fargesia murielae Simba remains evergreen, providing the evergreen cover all year round for as long as its life span.
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. We are active on YouTube and Pinterest. Join us.