are bamboos hardy

The simple answer to this is that several types are.

There are low growing types that spread and make good groundcover such as Sasaella, Pleioblastis and Sasa. All of these can be cut back in spring with shears when they will shoot happily back and very quickly.

Short clumpers that don't spread or creep could include Shibataea (3-4ft).

Medium tall clumpers include several from the genus Fargesia (formerly called Sinarundinaria) such as F. nitida (12-16ft), F. murielae (6-10ft) and a clone that is mistakingly cited as a species called F. rufa (8ft)

Amongst the most popular because of their often colourful stems are the genus Phyllostachys. These are among the few types that are easy to identify by a none expert as the stems (culms) have a flat or depressed side to their stems making them 'D' shaped in cross section. They usually creep around a bit (even though many suppliers say they don't!) but can be kept in check by a barrier. P. nigra with shiny black stems and P. aurea with golden yellow are very popular. They reach more than 15 ft in good conditions but as will all bamboo, they are surprisingly amenable to pruning.

Finally, if you want a really tropical look for semi-woodland (or indeed full sun) there are two runners but they are both worth it for their large leaves. Sasa palmata (4-10ft) and Pseudosasa japonica (8-16ft) are great if a little thuggish.

most are

Mine are all in pots for fear of spreading and after all the hard work I put into digging them from someones garden Im going to put them in the greenhouse soon to ensure I dont lose them

x x x

I'm having trouble trying to think of one that's grown here that isn't hardy,Bannako.

thats what i thaught bamboo infact there very hardy generaly

Yes, most available in this country are indeed hardy. Do you think this is what I just should have said in the first place :-)

always worth knowing that extra bit of info Fractal

x x x

Dunno Fractal - questioner might have found it fascinating, or may simply have wanted a one word answer - yes (or no), you never know when you answer a question. Funnily enough, I sort of assumed Bannako had bamboo and wasn't sure if it was hardy, rather than your assumption that s/he was thinking of getting some. Funny how people's minds work differently - the question doesn't say either way.

i agree with bamboo and mookins as its only a few buttons to learn a bit more though my answer was about as short as they get lol

informative and straight to the point NP

xx x

Noseypotter' I dought very much that your answer would satisfie the RHS but it is just fine by me LOL

well im not an extremist just an averadge gardener so you will only get averadge gardener answers i guess lol

still a valid answer though a train spotter i am not lol

it was a GREAT answer, I found it extremely helpful...it's always good to have as much info as possible Fractal, thanks! :)