I am in your zone ans I planted Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' as I wanted a tight clumper for some areas I wanted some privacy. It is very beautiful...the canes are striped yellow and green, and at times have a pinkish cast to them.

Mia1974- thank you for your very speedy reply. Sorry mine was delayed but my name is Mia also and at a quick glance I just saw my name and thought the post had just duplicated. Too funny!

Anyway, Bambusa multiplex sounds beautiful. How tall does it get and are the clums large and sturdy enough to tolerate a Great Dane investigator. do you know were the best place is to buy bambo? Also do you know of any black or a deep emerald green bamboo that grows well in this zone? Have. Great day mia from mia. :) sorry for all of the questions.

I like this thread as I'm in the San Diego area and looking to get into Bamboo. I'll have to look at Bambusa Multiplex.

Z

I love my blue bamboo (Himalayacalamus hookerianus). It's a tight clumper and the culms have a powdery blue hue that turn bright green as they mature. It's also sold as Drepanostachyum falcatum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Bamboo

Bamboo is a tough plant, probably good to protect it for the first month til it gets established, but otherwise I would not be concerned about dogs.