I find this web page to be helpful. Has about all the info you could need in chart form... and prices. I haven't ordered from them just yet. Soon though. Here is a link that might be useful: bamboo

I'm north of detroit (and Windsor, Canada, to be honest) and I've got Phyllostachys Nigra in the ground. Its survived the past 2 winters and is shooting just now. (unprotected both winters, too) I've seen a number of green-yellow boo's locally outdoors doing fine. A family a few streets over are attempting to eradicate their patch, though I can't imagine they're going to be as lucky as they wish. The boo's go well with the passionflower (incarnata) in the front yard (and the pomegranites too) ~Chills

I think Fargesia (nitida or murielae) might not necessarily die back each winter but may take a while to get big enough for stakes. Plus, they may become so beautiful you won't want to cut them. :)

where did you find bamboo on clearance in Mi? You will find that your answer will depend entirely upon what kind of bamboo you have bought. I bought a growncover variegated boo last fall (also on clearance, this time of year) and I planted one in the ground and the other I kept potted indoors until spring. Both of them have done fine, though I think the one I kept potted has established itself better. ~Chills