The problem is your Zone. I don't know of any bamboo, running or clumping, that will survive very well in such winter temperatures. Even the hardiest will defoliate and likely lose all aboveground growth during the winter, and the roots are likely to die in a subsequent year, even if they survive the first winter. There are people who grow bamboo in Zone 5, but it only survives with significant mulching and being covered with tarps for protection. This is probably not what you envision having to do. Wish I could be more encouraging, but that is what you are facing.

Thank you. That’s not the answer I was looking for, but it is the answer.

The answer is relocate south if you really want bamboo. There are other benefits.

DBarron. It’s funny you say that. We visited Winston Salem NC last year and I saw a stand of bamboo. It was one of the things that made me wonder if they could grow here.

My wife and I have discussed moving towards the Carolinas in the next ten years.

Lol, I like not having what you would call a winter. Any given month will have 70s in it (except maybe July and August), you just never know when. It may be 80F on December 12th and high of 20F on December 13th (two years ago), but most days are relatively mild. I haven't used my 'parka' but once or twice since I left Nebraska.

And your planting palette will expand greatly..and you can possibly have things blooming every month of the year with wise choices. And a lot more evergreen plants :) Do it!