Hi Richard,
P bambusoides is a nice bamboo. It gets tall and the culms are good for crafts. But it is, however, a runner and may not stay where you plant it. I would recommend Bambusa oldhamii. It grows larger than bambusoides but not quite tall as well. I gave a 3 gallon division to a friend and her plant has 3 inch culms and is 30 feet tall in less than 2 years !!! P bambusoides will take a long time to get that big. Oldhamii should be easy to get and is cold hardy to 21 degrees. It makes quite a statement along a driveway. Happy growing Rich

Bayview,
If you are down near Harlingen you might want to contact Allen D. Aleshire at Boonut Farm. See the link below. If you are in USDA Z10b there are some really great looking tropical bamboos you can grow. They are not inexpensive but if you are willing to wait you can divide these bamboos into many new plants.

Mike near Brenham TX

Here is a link that might be useful: http://boonut.com/