I like the yellow of Kimmie and vitatta but they dont tolerate the chill here in NC to well. They die off but come back once it warms up. Shiroshima is a nice verigated color splash too. Robert young is a nice yellow here ad takes the cold better as well. I'd like to get some black started too.
CJ

Bambusa Eutuldoides ÂViridi Vittata' and
Bambusa Pervariabilis Viridistriata 'Sunburst' both seem to do really well here but not sure about zone 7.

Some sites list them as cold hardy to 15F, but they are definitely hardier than the 21F and 25F listed in the ABS. I like them since they don't get the sooty mold like Al Karr, the culms are yellower, and they have thick-walled culms, so they are great for building, but the culms supposedly don't get very large in diameter.

Mine are still young and need a year or two more of growing to see how large they will actually get.

Kt

Thank you guys so much. i looked up the vittatas an 'sunburst'. they look beautiful and i am planning on gettin some. if you ever take some divisions for trade please let me know.

I'll keep you posted as I attempt to make divisions.

Kt

Hold off on the Vitatta... I have a 15 gallon plater...had it for 3 + years and it dies off every year. I too am in zone 7. It comes back soon as the worm weather sets in. So if you dont mind it being gone in the winter... NP...it returns :) I love it...wish it was a bit more cold tolerant though.

hi does anybody know how to grow giant bamboo seeds? i got some off e.bay in october 2007 put them in propagator same month but nothing yet thanks.

I know what you can do. When your bamboo gets about 6 inches tall, break out the lawnmower before its too late!!!!