Wanted: something tall and handsome

Me again :o
I am looking to create height and interest, but it has to be in a container. I have looked at the Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys Nigra) as the brochure says its good in containers and isnt invasive and not too tall but I dont like the black stems Is there a similar bamboo anyone knows about that has the same attributes less the black canes? I dont want anything that has to be fixed to a fence as I am looking to replace it before winter is out.
Thanks in advance

 

" I am looking to create height and interest, but it has to be in a container"

A Topiary spiral, or somesuch?

 

Topiary spirals, as K suggests, are lovely. If too expensive you can imitate the effect training small leaved climbers over shapes. Arundo donax is a grass that has the same architectural presence of Bamboo. It also comes in variegated forms, but these are a bit tender. You can get an espaliered climbing rose, and later on fix it to the fence when you have a new one.

 

Love Topiary, but too rich for my blood, they tend to be really expensive dont they? I just wanted to create a screen I guess along a 6ft bit of fence.
Thk you for the info, you have put me in mind of Christmas with the topiary idea ..

 

Hi Ivory
As a newbie to gardening I am too timid to try anything "tender" just yet. I am being a coward and sticking to anything bomb proof in the gardening world and that could survive a nuclear holocaust. I will look up all you suggested though and thank you

 

If you don`t like the black bamboo, then why not go for the golden form, Phyllostachys aurea.

 

David will it go in a container?

 

David I just checked and it will go in a container..
Ivory I love the look of the Arundo donax made thinks it may be worth the risk.
I love this site

 

"they tend to be really expensive dont they"

They go "on-offer" now and again. How about plant a few small yews and train them up. Have the joy of them for 10 years, and then flog them for a small fortune?

Better still, grow a couple of new yew topiary every year, and after ten years flog the 10-year-olds for 100 quid each!