My aurea shoots are currently between .5' to 3' in NW Arkansas, zone 6b I think. I noticed that when it cools down, most of them stop growing, and are getting passed in height by later shooting (for me) viridiglaucescens, vivax, henon, and even nigra.
Since my grove is only a couple years old and has aurea in the greatest quantity, I'd like to preserve its shoots until the more preferred bamboos can spread. Would it help at all if I removed some portion of its shoots, maybe the ones that look least promising and whip shoots? My soil is a bit clay-heavy but is about 1/4 compost. Could adding a bit more compost help?

If any are coming up where you don't want them, prune them and plant energy will go to shoots you want. Otherwise, for best growth, let the plant choose winners and losers. shoot wise.

Thanks dependable, I'll give that a shot