Something shorter-growing, with big round leaves - for contrast.

Thanks. I got a similar answer in another forum here as well. I didn't think about the round leaves. That's helpful. It was also suggested that we look for drought tolerant plants since bamboo doesn't require a lot of water.

if you've got room for it, one of the prettiest is the purple-leafed Cotinus Coggygria. But it does need sufficient room to spread out. Loropetalum chinense's Rubrum varieties would be smaller, not so rounded leaved, but also very pretty.

As it's not the season for planting, this is the time to do your research, then do the planting in the fall so you won't need to use a lot of water to get the new plants established.

Actually bamboos are mostly wet climate plants. Up here new spring stem growth will often abort if watering is not timely and thorough.

Thanks. Someone told me they don't need much water and I took her word for it. I just read watering needs myself. Newly planted bamboo need frequent watering.

*lol* Newly-planted almost everything needs frequent watering -- and I've planted way too much. Time to go outside and water....