Needmore Bamboo Co.
 
               
         
Phyllostachys dulcis - Boy do I enjoy growing this bamboo!  If it were only a few degrees hardier it would be on my list of the Zone 6 must haves and perhaps it already belongs there. Dulcis sizes up very quickly as you can see from the pictures below, and even though it may be a few ticks below the hardiest species, it seems to size up in the spring following a top kill.  My guess is that at maturity it will hold green leaves to a bit below zero.
   Dulcis produces very thick culms for their height and it resembles Phyllostachys atrovaginata in this regard.  Dulcis has a very unique look due to shorter branches than most Phyllostachys, combined with long, dark lance shaped leaves.  The overall effect is a very 'architectural' bamboo.   Some forms develop cream colored striping and I have seen 3.25 inch diameter culms in Zone 6b.   On my bamboo importation trip to Europe  I acquired a species known as 'Shanghai 3', which is believed to be a form of Dulcis that is perhaps a bit hardier.   I am very excited about getting that plant out of quarantine and in the ground.
   The first photo below is a 1-year old, the second photo shows the 3 new culms in year 2 and all of the other photos are of 3rd year new shoots and culms.