Clumping bamboo

[PlantSwap]

I've heard horror stories about bamboo that runs amok. I've also hear that there are varieties of 'clumping' bamboo that do not spread runners far and wide and behave nicely.

Does anyone have any experience with clumping bamboo in a suburban landscape?

[txbeyer]

Generally, any bamboo with the genus name bambusa is a clumping bamboo. When in Houston, I grew Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'. It has a variegated stem, green and gold striped, stays within reasonable bounds and height and makes an excellent screening plant given enough space. Even a clumping bamboo can become overwhelming in time. The term clumping in regard to bamboo is a relative term to running bamboo. Any bamboo will spread, it's just a matter of degree. This is why I will only attempt to grow dwarf varieties and only in containers.