Hey i was wondering what's a good bamboo for southwest Colorado that's easy to keep from growing where you don't want it and only gorws about 9 or 10 feet? thanks JP
There the main issue may be finding one that will live at all. Some high altitude Asian species, particularly a few prominent ones in the genus Fargesia are subzero hardy but loathe hot and dry conditions. You can probably get one of these through the winter but then there is still the summer to contend with, humus rich soil and full shade will probably be essential. Much will depend on whether you are down low in the semiarid valley conditions or up in the hills where there are conifer forests. If you have native huckleberries growing in the woods around you that will be a good sign, indicating favorable climate, soil (and irrigation water) conditions. In the Sinohimalayan wilds hardy bamboos often occur with rhododendrons.