Nandina domestica

 
Heavenly Bamboo

Family: Berberidaceae

Origin: Native to China and Japan

Hardiness: Hardy to 5 degrees
Growth: Slow to moderate growth rate to 8 feet
Form: Narrow upright evergreen multiple cane shrub

 
Lacy compound leaves;

red color in fall and spring;

fine texture

 
Flowers: White flowers (1/8") in spring

Fruit: Red berries in fall and winter

Exposure: Sun or light shade;
leaves color best in full sun

Water: Water deeply once a month; tolerates drought
Soil: Moist, well drained sand or loam soil is best
Fertilizer: Benefits from nitrogen and iron in spring and fall
Prune: Shorten or remove old canes to the ground; do not shear
Problems: Easy care plant with very few problems

Useful in narrow planting beds that need tall upright plants. Makes a nice informal hedge or screen, but it loses all character when it is sheared. Many varieties are more compact than the species. Nandina is a very versatile plant, useful in many landscape situations.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter         Go to Garden California Home Page

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