It is fundamentally a running bamboo, but in Britain with our modest summer warmth and rainfall, in comparison to places like China and Japan, how much these things actually run depends upon conditions. For example "black bamboo", Phyllostachys nigra, is well behaved in many people's gardens in Britain, but other people have found it has said "I like it here" and has got into its stride the way it would in New York State.

Lawn mowers control bamboos spreading into a lawn very effectively. But if there was somewhere nearby it would be inconvenient for it to spread into, like next door, it is wise to bury a rhizome barrier 50cm deep, if only for your neighbour's comfort of mind.