Nandina domestica

©2004
Heavenly bamboo

HEAVENLY BAMBOO
Family: Berberidaceae
Pronounced: nan-DEE-nah doe-MES-ti-kah

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Japan, China and India.
Plant Group: Shrubs.
Berries and leaves in early winter. ©2004
Berries and leaves
Hardiness: Sunset zones: 3 (with protection) 4-24; H1, H2. USDA zones: 6-9.
Mature size: Height 6 feet (2 m). Width: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer.
Flowering attributes: Clusters of white to creamy, star-shaped flowers with yellow anthers.
Fruit: Clusters of bright red, globular fruit.
Leaf attributes: Evergreen, lance-shaped, alternate, bi- to tri-pennately compound, green leaves, that turn purple to bronze tints in autumn and winter.
Growth habit: Upright.
Light: Sun or light shade.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side-dress with compost in early spring.
Propagation Methods: Sow fresh seed as soon as ripe. Old seed may take up to two years to germinate, fresh seed six to eight weeks. | Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pruning Methods: Prune yearly in early spring, cutting the oldest canes down to the ground. This discourages the shrub from getting top heavy and falling over. The pruning will keep it growing a denser growth lower down on the shrub.
Pests and Diseases: Infrequent problems.

Rainy Side Notes

Nandina domestica is a remarkable evergreen
Red leaves in snow. ©2001
Leaves
shrub that adds a quiet beauty to the garden all year round, yet adds a dash of wonderful in fall and winter with colorful leaves and bright red berries. Its common name, Heavenly bamboo, describes its bamboo-like leaves and structure. Don’t be mistaken though, it’s not bamboo.

In our climate, the shrub is evergreen; however, it will lose its leaves when temperatures drop below 10°F or 12°C.

Nandina is a good choice for an airy hedge. Less pruning and just as colorful as a photinia, nandinas have the added bonus of bright red berries. If you want a colorful hedge but don’t like the large leaves of photinias, a heavenly bamboo might be the answer.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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