These three #1 Nudas from Oregon were planted in late August 2004, and showed oral setae. The bamboo in the middle and left have produced 4-6 shoots each about eight feet high (the fence is six feet) with 3/8 inch or so thickness. The shoots had no oral setae, the sheaths also matched the shape and coloration of those in the Nuda photo in A Compendium of Chinese Bamboo. The new leaves are coming out and are 99% oral setae free. So this is a Nuda, right? The old shoots from last year still have a fair amount of the hairs. These three get about 4 hours straight sunlight, and the rest of the day are in dappled shade. The one on the right was in mostly winter shade on the garageÂs north side, and only produced one four foot shoot so far, maybe it was stunted from this.

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The #2 Bissetii from Ohio planted in June gets three hours of sun a day, the rest is shade. It produced only one four foot shoot. Had a lot of topkill over winter, but it may have partially composted, was in the straw too long. Also may be stunted from not getting full sun, but itÂs OK if it remains somewhat juvenile, itÂll fit in with the other plantings as a small Japanese garden behind the garage.

The #2 Spectablis from Mississippi was planted in late August, had some topkill, but mostly grew back with several small three to four foot high shoots. It doesnÂt get the required sunlight either, about two hours straight sun and the rest of the day medium to heavy shade.

Laid down 4-6" of leaf mulch, wood chips and a 5 gallon bucket of composted horse manure per plant in March on all plantings, before that 2 feet of leaves and straw for overwintering from December up to March.

All in all, very satisfied and surprised that bamboo can survive these Chicago winters, and some even thrive.

http://photobucket.com/albums/a200/Bambootup/ For more pictures.