You have the variegated variety. It grows the same as regular arundo donax, but when young, it has a beautiful variegation to it, but loses it when the culms mature, and it begins to look like the regular arundo.
The young shoots probably have a tinge of pink on them also.

You have the best of the two varieties, in my opinion.

Kt

Where in south Texas did you get the rhizomes from?

Kt

yes, the young shoots are tinged with pink. They're quite lovely, but again, from what I understand this variety is less hardy than the species. I got it to use for making spears and poles, and it'll really annoy me if I have to go get some more next spring. By that time I was hoping to have an establishing/established stand.

I found them in a field by a parking lot in Donna, about 15 minutes north of Nuevo Progresso Mexico.

A bamboo would be better for spears and poles since it is stronger, thicker, and won't rot as fast.

However, it should do well in your area.

Good Luck

Kt

Actually, for the kind of spears I make (Atlatl darts) the spear shouldn't be rigid, it should be quite springy. They used to be made by the aztec from Uva grass, (Gynerium Sagittum I believe) but Arundo Donax is now considered better for this purpose, and has been used for this purpose on Lake Patzcuaro in mexico (Spear hunting for ducks is/was common there). I'll also be growing bamboo eventually, for more long term/sturdy stuff. Thanks for the advice, here's hoping It makes the winter!

They have some at Shelter Gardens in Columbia, MO..I just happened to notice it the other day as I drove by and I was surprised at how white it was with just a bit of green striping... I'd say their's is about 50/50 green/white when it reaches it's full height during the summer...I don't know much more about their plants....it's been there at least 5 years and seems to grow really well each summer, so I guess it overwinter's fine there...