I got one of the Fargesias for my mother. It died over the winter (first one, I think) and I know she had it in a protected location and mulched it, etc.

I do have Fargesia nitida, since 1997. Of course, leaves do not stay evergreen. I do not protect it onthe east side of my garage. Dies back to, say, 6 inches every year. Becomes a little 12 inch bush by the end of the season, usually with a couple long whip canes reaching 3-4 feet. Not at all beauteous, but it is unusual so I still have it. Maybe farther south and a little winter protection you could do better.

The Arboretum has Phyllostachys nuda (I think) in the Japanese garden. They cover it with straw every winter. Still dies back every year, but makes a nice patch of 5 foot culms, spreading slowly.

Rick

For pictures of my wintering technique in z5a e-mail me at newgars@new.rr.com. With this type of protection my murielae is now approaching 8' and stays evergreen. Without it my plants die to the ground and never get more than 3' high.

Hey, newgars, could you possibly post the pics--or at least describe it here? I think several of us would be interested in your technique...