New Bamboo gardener

[Anne]

Hello! I was just given about 20-30 small variegated, clumping bamboo from a nursery. I have an apartment complex with many, many flower beds I am trying to fill. The soil is sandy - here in Galveston and the climate is humid and windy. Beds where I will plant face southeast and are protected from the north wind. Here are my questions:
1. How much will these small plants grow ? Will I be invaded?
2. How far apart should I plant them?
3. How much water will they require?
4. Do I need to fertilize ?

THese may seem like basic questions but I need some help. Any help is appreciated. THanks for your time.

[CaroleMeckes]

Hello Anne,
Do you know what kind of bamboo you have? Sometimes small plants can get quite large once they get out of the pot and in the ground where the roots can grab the earth better. I've seen it happen more than once...

Could you post some pictures? (You can add them as an attachment to this thread.) It is hard to answer your questions without knowing what you actually have.

Was there a special reason why the nursery gave you the plants?
I don't mean to be nosy - just want to be sure that the plants are healthy and a proper species for your area before you get involved in planting them.

Carole