The problem in answering your question is that, in your Zone, the choices are quite limited as far as both large culms and winter survivability. One of the hardiest bamboos is Phyllostachys nuda, which is hardy to minus 20F; however, you will get aboveground damage to the leaves and culms above that temperature. Consequently, you may have a plant that can survive your winter, but has to re-grow from the ground up each spring, which will limit the size it can get to. Here is a picture of a Ph. nuda grown in Tyler, WA, and what it looked like after a harsh winter that reached minus 12F:

Here is a link that might be useful: Nuda in winter

10-15 feet is pretty easy in SE Michigan. The larger diameter is much more difficult. Bissetti will get 15 feet tall but will be less than .75 inch diameter. I've heard that well establish Bissetti and aureosulcata will get close to 20' here in SE Michigan; it just takes 5-7 years. I'm also growing atrovaginata. I think this has the best chance of getting over 1" diameter. I also think it has the prettiest form.

I have measured Yellow Grove Bamboo @ 1.25" x 27Â tall and Nuda Bamboo close to 25 feet and around 1Â in metro Detroit.

Jim

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:405973}}

The Nuda sounds perfect, and so does the Yellow. Are either of these invasive, do they require any special maintenance, and will they each grow in partial sun? Are they hard to control, or will weekly mowing at edge keep them in check?

Please help, and can you buy them now from Michgian Bamboo?

theyardman,
Any bamboo that matures over 8Â in Michigan can be invasive. If you have a small lot you may need to use rhizome barrier or make a raised bed. There are many ways to control running bamboo mowing; rhizome pruning or digging a 12 " trench around the bed it depends on your lot size for which on applies for you. Any Phyllostachys will grow in partial sun.

Jim

hey there anyone, I would be interest in obtaining some of your yellow or Nuda bamboo. please email me I have some "black" indoors in a pot . But my yellow that I got last year looks dead....

please help!