Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

Nandina domestica, commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo, is an elegant and versatile evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant foliage and year-round interest. Despite its common name, it is not a true bamboo but is prized for its upright, bamboo-like growth habit. The finely textured, compound leaves change color with the seasons, offering shades of bright green in spring, turning bronze in autumn, and often developing stunning red hues in winter.

Clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers bloom in late spring or early summer, adding a delicate charm to the shrub. These are followed by bright red berries in autumn, which persist through the winter, providing a colorful display and a valuable food source for birds. Reaching a mature height of 4–8 feet and a spread of 2–4 feet, Heavenly Bamboo is a great choice for hedges, borders, foundation plantings, or as a standalone accent in gardens and landscapes.

Care Instructions

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages vibrant foliage colors, while partial shade can help protect the plant in hotter climates.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil but adapts to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods.
• Pruning: Remove older, overgrown stems at ground level to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring, if needed, to shape the plant.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
• Winter Care: Generally hardy in USDA zones 6–9. Protect young plants from extreme cold in the first year by applying mulch around the base.

With its striking foliage, delicate flowers, and vibrant berries, Nandina domestica provides year-round beauty with minimal maintenance. Its adaptability and tolerance for a range of conditions make it a favorite among gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually captivating addition to their landscape. Perfect for bringing color and texture to mixed borders or acting as a winter focal point, this shrub is a timeless choice for gardens of all styles.