Origin
The Fargesia murielae 'Obelisk' is a non-spreading bamboo species that originally hails from China. The plant is part of the grass family, the Poaceae. After having been introduced to Europe by humans, this bamboo species has successfully adapted to different climate regions, and is now widely planted as ornamental grass in gardens and parks.
Characteristics
The most striking characteristic of the Fargesia murielae 'Obelisk' is its straight, columnar growth. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 metres. The 'Obelisk' leaves are dark green and elegantly overhanging, providing a lovely contrast to the lighter stems. The blooming of the Fargesia murielae 'Obelisk' is an extremely rare event and costs the bamboo its life because it dies after blooming.
Care
For the care of the Fargesia murielae 'Obelisk', a sunny to shady location with well-draining yet moist soil is ideal. Though this bamboo species is fairly resistant to drought, it appreciates regular watering, especially in the summer. During severe, prolonged frost periods, the leaves can turn brown, but the plant itself is hardy. Pruning is rarely needed, except to remove dead stems and to keep the plant in shape.