Yellow Groove (Phyllostachys Aureosulcata)
One of the most versatile bamboo species. A native of China, but one of the most widely cultivated species in the United States. Yellow Groove is perfect for a tall privacy screen as it grows very dense. Under ideal conditions the canes can reach up to 3″ in diameter and a height of 30′. It is recognizable by the distinctive alternating yellow stripes on the canes. It grows very fast and adapts well to lots of different conditions. Yellow Groove is one of the most cold hardy varieties (down to about -10degrees climate zone 4+) For an all-around quick growing medium/large bamboo YG is one of my top recommendations.
Nuda Bamboo (Phyllostachys Nuda)
Nuda is another medium/large screening bamboo that grows dense and is very cold hardy. Rated at -10degrees (Climate zone 4+). The canes and leaves are a little darker green than most bamboo types, and the new shoots have a unique mottled appearance. It can grow to about 35 feet and 2 inches in diameter. The wood quality is good. Very thick walls and strong. It’s one I often recommend when people want a medium size bamboo for crafting or building.
Dwarf David Bissett (Phyllostachys Bissetii ‘Dwarf’)
One of the fastest growing smaller screening bamboos available. It can create a very thick grove in a fairly short amount of time. As a general rule the smaller the bamboo species the more dense the grove will be. I have a grove of this above a retaining wall in my back yard to screen out the road. The canes are dark green with dark green leaves. They max out in height at about 15-20ft tall and the canes can get up to maybe an inch in diameter. It is very cold hardy. Down to negative 10 degrees, Climate zone 4+. A great choice for a smaller privacy screen.