By the end of last summer my largest japonica grove about 12X14' had become an eyesore and every culm was heavy with seed. I destroyed it and two other younger groves. I had come to the conclusion just prior to its inflorescence that the Ps. japonica family was not well suited to this 6b/7a location and usually looked ragged for most of the year. They were taking up prime real estate so they had to go. I would not suggest japonica for 6b/7a.

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David Arnold
Middle Tennessee Bamboo Farm
USDA zone 6b/7a

Thanks David. That was very helpful.