Well...I think that you may have yourself a young Bambusa Vulgaris Wamin 'Lumpy Noodle'. Is that what you were sold or were you told that it was Bambusa Tuldoides Ventricosa?

This is a bambusa vulgaris 'wamin', also known as the "large buddha belly" because it's the shoots get two to 3 times thicker than the ventricosa does! This one is in my front yard and it's shooting nicely. Notice the pubescent hairs that form on the culm sheath. Just marvelous! I love this plant. : - D
Take care
CJ

I'm curious---I see that you live in NC. Is your plant winter-killed back to the ground each year? I struggle to grow B. Vulgaris Vittata here in NE Fl and I imagine your winters must be somewhat colder than here.
Thanks,
Doug

8-10 inches of triple-shredded hardwood mulch and foam insulation around the lower 1-2 foot of the culm. Not pretty to look at... but pretty effective :-D The foam resembles what the kids use in the pool "Noodles" I think they are called. The ones I use are gark grey, sliced down one side so it easily slides around the culm. If it really chills over the night... I toss a "emergency" blanket over the canopy...seems to retain heat fairly well. The blanlet is thin but the reflective aluminum backing also serves to attract heat even on chilly days. Best of luck to you in your growing.
Take care
CJ

Mighty cool CJ. The extra protection really pays off.I am always impressed when people grow plants out of the "zone".

Thanks Koniferkid :-D
CJ

CJ, I'm curious about how close to the dividing line between Zone 6 & 7 or 7 & 8 you live? I have some 'Ventricosa' that I'm planning to experiment with planting outside sometime in the future.

Umm I'm just outside of Raleigh, NC if that helps ;-) ... 2 and a half hours from the coast. We rarely stay at the freezing point once the suns up. Rumors are that everyones gonna have a tougher winter this year... "A trend" they are calling it. Bummer.
CJ

The old fashion large Christmas lights hung around the plants also helps on colder nights.

I never thought of that one! Was thinking of a heating pad set low, wrapped in thick plastic, placed under the mulch if it looks like we will get more frost than the norm.
Take care
CJ

I don't want my plants to suffer...any other suggestions are greatly appreciated!! ;-D

CJ, I believe this is a new planting for you, right? So this is still an experiment in progress. Is that right? I just wanted to clarify before anyone in zone 7 decides it's safe to plant Bambusa outdoors with protection. Thanks,
Mike

Thats true Thuja... temps in the 40s when they went into the ground. Sure hope they make it through the chill. Any advise or early warning signs to look for would be great too. Thanks
CJ

CJ, it looks like you are about the center of Zone 7, on the border of 7a & 7b. I take it from your earlier postings that it survived one winter, am I correct?

For us...yea I guess you could say that... winters arent as bad as surrounding areas for some reason (?) We rarely get below freezing. I'd guess and say it was 40 degrees or so. We had a few flurrys but didnt accumulate to much and was gone a few hours after sun up.
Take care all
CJ