There are a number of bamboo that can tolerate temperatures well below freezing, but they are better able to tolerate lower temperatures when they're planted in the ground. When they're in pots, they lose heat more quickly and are more subject to damage when it gets cold. I've got over 25 varieties of bamboo in the ground and none of them have taken over anything. You've probably heard too many stories from people who don't have firsthand experience with bamboo or never kept it under control with a couple of minutes of rhizome pruning each fall.

For starters, you could consider Phyllostachys nuda (hardy to about zero degrees F) or Fargesia murielae (hardy to about minus 15 degrees F). Or, you could just refer to:

ABS Species Tables

Well that's helpful, thanks kudzu. I never realized just how many species of bamboo there were. Maybe you could help me out some more since you seem to be quite the bamboo expert. I am looking for something that can tolerate alot of cold in the winter, and heat in the summer, although, it's going to be in full shade, so it also has to be shade tolerant. Also I was looking for something that gets pretty big, and can be used as a screen. I'm all about recycling, so I would like to someday, actually turn them into a fence if they do start to takeover. So something fast growing would be good too, but not something fast spreading. Lol, i'm kind of asking for alot I guess. Which ones spread faster clumping kinds, or rooting kinds?

Kudzu an expert? Blaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh......only kidding here...yes kudzu is quite an expert....at some things...lol....only kidding again....no seriously, kudzu's advice is good and sound. Spend some time in here and ask plenty of questions. There are very knowledgable people in here. spend some time at bambooweb.info researching your needs. there are alot of choices. You appear to be in z7 which is better than me....Welcome to the forum....

Kurt in Stillwater NJ

I'm no expert, but I've picked up a lot of good info on this forum and I like to share it. It's always great to introduce new folks to bamboo.

Don't sell yourself short Kudzu...I consider you a bit of an authority....and yes the wealth of info in this forum is great. Too bad there wasn't some sort of Cyber Micro brewery where some of us could actually hang and knock back a couple of IPAs and "shoot" the $%*& a bit. I too like to share what little info i have absorbed in this forum. I try not to talk too much....it shows my inexperience...lol....Sparklerghost....you know you can insulate the pots with insulation and mulch or straw...i think you get my meaning. It appears that people have had success overwintering plants that way. That might be an alternative for you.

Kurt