Different varieties of aureosulcata have different levels of hardiness. My "Alata" is a monster, and I'm in the same grow zone as you. 60 miles south of Cleveland Ohio. I suggest that you try the Alata variety.
Correct, but 'Alata' is solid green I believe. I have aureosulcata the species, 'Harbin-Inversa', 'Spectabilis', 'Aureosulcata', and 'Harbin'. In my experience 'Harbin-Inversa' and 'Spectabilis' are more cold hardy than the species. I haven't acquired 'Alata' because... do I really need one more all green bamboo? 😂
Hi David, Interesting that you say that. While I also don’t think that áureosulcata lives up to its reputation, it’s done pretty well here in Buffalo; solid zone 6. Maybe it’s the snow cover? For me the foliage browns out at a bit less than one week of 0°F, but I don’t think I’ve experienced it top kill maybe except the first year it was planted.
Without a doubt Arundinaria gigantea 'Macon'. Of the Phyllostachys I used to say bissetii with nuda being a close second. However, since being established I would now say atrovaginata followed by parvifolia. So absolute most cold hardy would be A. g. 'Macon'. Most cold hardy of the larger ones would be atrovaginata.
