Phyllostachys rubromarginata is very aggressive.

I have 4 rubro's in 35-gal tubs. Judging from the numerous rhizomes arcing out and back into the soil, there is a LOT of activity down there, much more than any of my other containered Phyllostachys.

Plus a large number of whipshoots have stayed airbone and leafed out to produce a very dense bush above each container. All those leaves are feeding energy down to the rhizomes.

Mine is a couple years away yet, but rubro gets upto 3" diam and 60 ft high.

http://www.bambooweb.info/ShowPictures.php?Type=B&BooID=326&Desc=&Loc=&Match=AND&Button=Search

Ph. aurea; S. fastuosa, Ph. nigra; Ph. dulcis; Ph. humilis; Ph. vivax 'Aureocaulis'. These have all done well for me in the Seattle area. Amount of available sunshine will be a big factor.

Ph. Dulcis seems great.

mine started quickly spreading over.... but as it is young, I can't say what height it will be.

PH. Vivax is a quick. Certainly with a lot of food.

In fact the game is GIVE THEM FOOD.

Kudzu9-
I didn't know you have vivax 'Aureocaulis'! and I have been looking all over for it... now I will take your offer from earlier hehehe I would love to have one send to me when you have some extras next spring... Thank you in advance! and I still need some Robert Young as well if you have any ??

Rog

It's the clumpers that are mostly tender (tropical), not the runners. There are dozens of kinds of runners you could use. What's "large"? Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon', P. nigra 'Meguro' have made full height (~50') groves in PNW. A friend's P. nigra 'Bory' grew well in Bellingham area, so that one is probably a good bet as well.

See Bamboo Species Source List at American Bamboo Society web site for tables giving heights, hardiness and sources.

I've found P Aureosulcata "Spectabilis" to be a rapid spreader. P Vivax is ultimately bigger, but Spectabilis establishes itself and spreads a lot faster.