My wife and I are looking for types of bamboo (prefer running) and/or small trees for an 18"w x 24"d x 180"L planter.
To be planted behind our row home in an area that gets some sun, but not a lot. We are looking for trees/bamboo that will provide some privacy, but not look too bushy, as we don't have a ton of room. Would it be possible to keep a type of bamboo like Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis' back there and prune it to keep it less than 10' tall? We are not crazy about the look of clumping bamboo.
Answer
This bamboo would work in your planter. It is upright and could be pruned to the height you want. It also spreads by shallow roots which would be easy to find and pruned to keep the plant under control. It is a vigorous plant so you would have to be diligent to keep it under control.