It's generally believed that a plant loses 2 hardiness zones if it is in a container, above ground, over the winter. Therefore, scrltsunflwr should try it only with perennials hardy to zone 3. Having it indoors, in an unheated barn, will help somewhat, but also my harm it somewhat, because it won't have any snow cover, which is an excellent insulator. Darkness is not a problem, dryness may be.

Clumping bamboo in MA will not be the same as clumping bamboo in FL :-) Even in my pretty mild climate, clumping bamboo is an extremely manageable plant and I see no reason not assume a similar well-behaved habit in colder zones. From a regional bamboo specialty nursery: Overview of Clumping Bamboo Clumping bamboo are defined as having a non-invasive rhizome structure (known as pachymorph rhizome) which differs from the better known �and sometimes feared�running bamboo (leptomorph rhizome). Clumpers form a tight cluster of gently arching culms extending from a relatively small root mass. Each underground bud pushes upward forming culms, and do not become long running rhizomes. Instead, clumping bamboos grow outward in a circular formation at a modest pace of 2 to 12 inches per year. Canopy growth is also relatively slow, usually gaining a couple feet of height and width annually. Height range at maturity is between 10 and 20 feet for most species. There are some exceptions; tropical and subtropical species can reach 50 feet or more in the US, given hot, southern climates. We have a special affection for hardy clumping bamboos. We believe these plants will help overcome popular fears about bamboo, and pave the way to its acceptance as a significant addition to the landscape as well as its incorporation into our culture. Bamboo Garden is on the forefront of introducing new and exciting species of clumping bamboo into the United States and promoting their multitude of uses. Though many are new to cultivation, clumping bamboo are gaining recognition for their landscape value as low maintenance alternatives to the larger, more vigorous, running bamboos. Fargesia sp. �Rufa�, with plumes of feather-like foliage, provide a wonderful accent to the small urban garden. Larger species, such as F. robusta, create dense evergreen privacy screens to over 15 feet. The gracefully weeping culms of Borinda angustissima and F. sp. �Jiuzhaigou� support masses of tiny leaves with a delicate, airy texture. Outer culms can be topped to make the plant more compact and upright. New introduction, F. sp. �Scabrida�, has outstanding colors: purple culms outlined by rusty-red culm sheaths contrasting with dark green leaves. Some species, such as F. nitida, are among the most cold hardy bamboo, surviving temperatures as low as negative 20� Fahrenheit. Most thrive in a partial shade environment, but there is enough variety to find a suitable clumping bamboo for just about any need. Our selection have special significance and unique qualities for the home garden or commercial landscape. We hope the pages of our website offer a new perspective of the possibilities and wonderful variety among clumping bamboo. Here is a link that might be useful: Bamboo Gardens

I wintersowed 25 containers today with a class of 1st graders. They had a blast. We experimented with several different containers. The kids were very excited. By the way our outside temps were - 8 degrees this morning ...zone 5 . My total count is 103. I just got a huge seed order so I will be sowing like crazy in the next week.

I have used heat tapes for years on my Sabal Palms and Pindos with great success...My trees (Sabals) were large when I Planted them 15 years ago...When the temp would go down to around 25 degrees for a few cons. days I would wrap the hearts only with the tapes and tuck them in with burlap...I never did anything to my Windmills and they did quite well over the winters here in VA. Beach...In my opinion if you keep the hearts warm...they do quite well My palms are well adjusted for my area...but when they were newly planted,I did watch them carefully and kept the snow from accumulating on the trees...I do not advise wrapping them with shrink wrap...some people do that (As I did 15 years ago) LOL but that does nothing to help the palms..only encourages scale etc... So my 2 cents worth says give heat tapes a try...they worked great for me!!! Remember they only keep the temp around 35 degrees...so the hearts won't freeze...it won't hurt the trees...Plug them in only when needed...Good Luck!!! Laura