Almost all my bamboo are covered in plastic. I was able to peek through the plastic and check out the leaves underneath. We have very little snow this year, so there has been no insulation value. Our lowest temperature so far was -15.5 degrees Celsius.
I have 1 Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'alata' that I planted two summers ago. It is my 'control' plant. I will never fertilize, water or protect it. It's only advantage is a windbreak. It is surrounded by spruce and white pine. This plant looks great so far. Keep in mind, February is always our coldest month but always has snow cover as well.
It has very little to no leaf burn at all but has not faced much i the way of cold temperatures.
