Hallson Gardens

Would like to add a Bamboo plant to a new bed I am planting in a sunny dry spot would like something eyecatching any suggestions.

Love black bamboo, but what do you like

How big is the bed and how much of it are you willing to let be occupied by bamboo? I love the black bamboo, also. I have a secret desire (ok, not so secret) for some Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocalis' or 'Huangwenzhu Inversa'. I also like (and am having one babysat for me by doublemom2) the Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Specatbilis'.

Vivax gets about 30 to 50 feet tall and is hardy in zones 6-10. Aureosulcata is good in zones 5-10 and gets about 30ft tall. Both are running boos, so you would need a barrier and maintain it well. Same with the Pyllostachys nigra or black bamboo. I have kept runners in 2x4 foot barriers and even big pots without any trouble, but the more space you can give them, the cooler they look and the happier they will be.

Kas

does always Vivax gets about 30 to 50 feet tall and is hardy in zones 6-10? i mean is it independent of other related things?

I am pretty sure that genetics drives the height on bamboo. As to the hardiness, go to bamboogarden.com or bamboogardenswa.com and they should have the hardiness info. Have fun!

Kas

How would one use 2x4 's to keep the plant in check?

Gamekeeper, one wouldn't! The rhizomes would just push between the cracks. Your best bet is to buy the barrier from a bamboo nursery. Make sure you angle it slightly so the top is wider than the bottom. That encourages the boo to do all its running over the top instead of under the barrier. That way you can just clip off any rhizomes that escape.

Kas