There is a bamboo grower in Howell NJ. Little Acre Farm. I was there a few years ago. The owner is very helpful and has several types of bamboo growing.

There are many semi-hardy tropicals that will do well here in zone 6b/7a. Actually, most species of Phyllostachys are hardy in NJ. (including many timber species). If you are really interested in bamboo, I like P. negron, P. vivax and P. viridis "Robert Young" (nice sulfur-yellow culms). If you are into palms, try Trachycarpus fortunei. I have had two in the ground for a couple of years now--and they do fine in NJ (zone 7)! Other hardy subtropicals to consider:

Magnolia grandiflora/Southern Magnolia (many, many varieties)
Camelia japonica

I even have a loquat tree overwinter in a protected spot.

Good luck!

The garden visit on May 3rd (see exchange forum) will include mature cold tolerant palms, different bamboos (including Moso), as well as visits to nearby public plantings which include unprotected trunking palms. Basjoo bananas should be up as well.

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If you are still interested in cold hardy tropical plants shoot me an email....ELMAN23@aol.com