Heavenly Bamboo Nandina

Nandina domestica, usually known in the U.S. as “heavenly bamboo” or “sacred bamboo,” is a graceful, fine-textured evergreen shrub, rather than a true bamboo. Unfortunately, because the word “bamboo” is included in these common names, people often conclude that it's invasive & shouldn't be planted.

How tall does Nandina heavenly bamboo grow?

Nandina grows 5 to 7 feet high and spreads 3 to 5 feet. The plant looks like bamboo in its lightly branched, cane-like stems and delicate, fine-textured foliage.

How fast does Heavenly Bamboo Nandina grow?

It grows about 1 or 2 feet annually until it reaches its mature height.

Is Heavenly Bamboo Nandina invasive?

It was introduced to the United States in the 1800's as an ornamental plant. Since then, heavenly bamboo has naturalized and become invasive in the Southeastern U.S., occurring from Maryland to Florida, and as far west as Texas.

Does heavenly bamboo lose its leaves in winter?

Although heavenly bamboo may drop its leaves in colder climates, this shrub takes on flaming-red fall color in warmer areas. Unlike burning bush, which drops its red leaves in late fall, the vibrant foliage of heavenly bamboo stays through winter.

Are Nandinas low maintenance?

This shrub is relatively free of pest and disease problems and even performs reasonably well under trees. Firepower Nandina is a low-maintenance plant.

Where is the best place to plant Nandinas?

Nandina grows best in moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Choose a sheltered spot, with some sun to encourage good colouring up of the foliage.

What does nandina look like in winter?

The foliage is tropical and looks exotic with leaves that are compound and bisected three ways. The leaves are a bright, glossy green in the summer, but they really shine in the winter with a fiery array of reds and burgundies.

Does heavenly bamboo spread?

Berries should be removed before the birds get to them, however, as a responsible part of caring for heavenly bamboo. Seeds spread by birds tend to easily sprout among native vegetation, giving heavenly bamboo plants the reputation of being invasive.

How far apart should you plant heavenly bamboo?

To transplant, simply prepare holes as deep as the roots or root ball and plant them two to three feet apart. You'll then want to water regularly until the plant is established. Heavenly bamboo transplants like a dream, which is excellent if you have homegrown seedlings or a transplant from an outside vendor.

Does Nandina stay green in winter?

Its leaves are evergreen in the winter, which has made it such a popular landscape plant. The green leaves tend to have a touch of red in the winter as well. Nandina is evergreen through the winter.

Can Nandina take full sun?

The genus name, Nandina, is the Latin form of the Japanese name for this plant, Nanten. The specific epithet, domestica, means domesticated. Heavenly bamboo can grow in full sun to shade and a range of soil types, but it prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil.

Is heavenly bamboo toxic to dogs?

Heavenly Bamboo, also called Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica) from the family Berberidaceae, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. This plant is an outdoor shrub that is native to eastern Asia, the Himalayas, and Japan that has shiny green leaves, white flowers and red berries.

Is heavenly bamboo poisonous to touch?

A. The shrub Nandina domestica, also known as "Sacred Bamboo" or "Heavenly Bamboo," is found in many yards, parks and other locations in the lower 48 states. With its bright red berries and contrasting dark green foliage, the shrub is planted for color and texture by landscapers.

How toxic are nandinas?

Nandina berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids that produce highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which is extremely poisonous to all animals. Sudden death may be the only sign of cyanide poisoning and death usually comes in minutes to an hour.

What can I plant next to heavenly bamboo?

Nandina Companion Plants A few of our favorite plants to grow with nandina are loropetalum, camellias, hellebore and ornamental grasses. Or plant nandina in a container with flowering annuals and perennials with each flowering season along with the evergreen foliage of nandina.

Will nandina come back after a freeze?

Not all plants have the ability to do this, but many deciduous and evergreen shrubs including mahonia, nandina, crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, weigela, and butterfly bush or buddleia can regrow from the roots when the tops die back.

Can nandina survive in snow?

Nandina are deciduous shrubs that the U.S. Department of Agriculture rates as cold hardy in zones 6 through 9. They should survive winter winds and frosts easily in those zones, assuming weather continues to fall within expected temperatures.

Which nandina is best?

Flirt: Flirt Nandina makes the best groundcover of all the varieties and is non-invasive. It keeps its reddish color year-round, and can be grown in edges, containers, and mass plantings. Harbour Dwarf: This non-invasive version emerges pink and turns green at maturity.

Do Nandinas like a lot of water?

Nandina is a drought tolerant plant so once it is established it has low water needs. If your Nandina is in a potted container, you will likely need to water more frequently since the soil will dry out more quickly.