All bamboos in the Fargesia genus are clump-forming bamboos and have a very different root system to the spreading bamboos such as Phyllostachys or Sasa. Fargesia bamboos naturally occur in woodland areas at high altitudes throughout Asia and consequently make excellent shade tolerant plants. Almost all of these bamboos prefer to be sited in part shade to full shade, where they will look magnificent and thrive. Bamboo root barrier is not necessary when planting a Fargesia, due to its good behaviour but it could be used when planting several bamboos as a screen, to encourage the plants to grow in the right direction.