I generally agree with your observations, although I have some Phyllostachys that are incredibly clumper-like...so far. For moso, your Zone may be a factor in keeping it from spreading too quickly. I think bamboo behavior can also be affected by not-so-obvious differences in the soil and sub-surface water flow in the plant's immediate area. I've been growing moso for 4 years in Zone 8, and so far I've not had to do any rhizome pruning. My nigra, aurea, and Robert Young are all more aggressive.

Kudzu9 which types of Phyllostachys are clumper like? My Moso is the only one not running full speed.

Well, in my situation I've had good luck (so far) with Ph. aurea 'Holochrysa,' Ph. aureasulcata 'Aureocaulis,' and Moso. But I'm sure those could go wild in other settings. I've also found that, when I plant a Phyllostachys in a mound, it generally runs a little less, and is easier to rhizome prune. However, I don't represent this as anything other than my experience...your mileage may vary!

Compared to other running bamboos, moso is harder to transplant and slower to establish. Since most of the strength is in the culm, it can easily be controlled by removing excess sprouting culms. I have regular moso which dies back about every second winter and the 'Anderson' clone which has been fully hardy here for several years. Pictured here is the 'Anderson' clone.

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