Last year I bought exactly the same: F. robusta and F. 'Rufa'. And what
happened? Last winter it was at least -25 C in Zagreb area (Croatia), so
they both froze.... above snow level. As all my bamboos did. But they all
recovered in the spring, although new shoots were significantly smaller than
the year before.

About those Fargesias - just plant them as soon as they arrive. It is not
too late, some say it's the best time of the year for planting bamboos.
Chances that something would go wrong are much higher if you put them in a
basement. And like Travis wrote, be sure to put them in the shade, they
don't like full sun.

Tihomir

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi - I recently puchased several bamboo plants (Fargesia robusta &
Fargesia Rufa) and shall be receiving them in the mailing any day now.
I orginally planned on planting them immediately but now I am concerned
it is too late in the season. I live in Maryland where we probably get
the first frost in mid-Nov to late November.

I guess my first question is, do you all think it is too late to plant
it and would be better off waiting until the spring...

Next question, if I do opt to plant them next season and keep them
inside, what special conditions do I need. I was thinking of keeping
them in my basement where I have a work area. The temp would probably
be slightly lower than the rest of the house, so in the mid to upper
60s. And as far as lighting, I currently have standard fluorescent
bulbing (the tubular ones). If I place this light source directly over
the plants, will they be ok? Or do I need more or better lighting?

By the way, these are small plants, probably about 15 inches in height
(could keeping them inside during the winter help them to grow?)...

Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!