Umbrella Bamboo ‘Simba’

Fargesia murielae ‘Simba’

Umbrella bamboo ‘Simba’, alternatively fargesia murielae ‘Simba’ in Latin, is a dwarf cultivar of umbrella bamboo, reaching an ultimate height of no more than 2 metres. In all other respects it is quite similar to the ‘Jumbo’ cultivar, which is also a type of umbrella bamboo. Fargesia ‘Simba’ has a clump-forming growth habit and produces fresh green leaves, which create a dense, bushy hedge. The foliage is one of the most appealing of all bamboo species and cultivars, which in part explains why this particular cultivar has gained so much popularity among the world’s gardeners and garden enthusiasts. Umbrella bamboo ‘Simba’ will add grace and elegance to any garden, while providing excellent screening at the same time. In most situations there is no need to keep it in check by means of pruning, as its small growth habit keeps it from growing taller than 2m in height. ‘Simba’ is adorned with gracefully arching branches.

Bamboo ‘Simba’ will tolerate any position, including heavy soils, poor soils and coastal sites. Dry and hot periods may cause the leaves to shed, but they will always come back in winter. An ideal site can be found in full sun or dappled shade, preferably with a moist, fertile, well-drained soil. This versatile, tough plant can deal with temperatures as low as -30C or as high as +40C, which are both unlikely to occur in the UK. Umbrella bamboo ‘Simba’ was first bred in Denmark in the 1970s, but nowadays it can be found in a large number of countries. It has a high tolerance of insects and the leaves are not eaten by snails or similar creatures.