Despite its common name, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is not a bamboo at all, but a species of flowering, evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia. Grown as an ornamental shrub, it is characterized by cane-like stems and finely textured leaves that resemble those of bamboo, which is how Nandina domestica got its common name.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Nandina domestica ( nan-DEE-nə) commonly known as nandina, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Japan. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Nandina. It is widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant with a number of cultivars that display bright-red fall foliage in the cool months, and attractive new foliage growth in spring. Although a popular ornamental shrub, the berries are toxic to birds, especially towards the end of the winter when other food sources become scarce.
The Latin genus name Nandina is derived from the Japanese name nanten (南天). The specific epithet domestica means ‘domesticated’, or ‘of the household’.
Despite the common name “sacred bamboo”, it is not a bamboo but an erect evergreen shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1.5 m (5 ft) wide, with numerous, usually unbranched stems growing from ground level. The glossy leaves are sometimes deciduous in colder areas, 50–100 cm (20–39 in) long, bi- or tri-pinnately compound, with the individual leaflets 4–11 cm (2–4 in) long and 1.5–3 cm broad.
The young leaves in spring are brightly coloured pink to red before turning green; old leaves turn red or purple again before falling. Its petiolate leaves are 50–100 cm long, compound (two or three pinnacles) with leaflets, elliptical to ovate or lanceolate and of entire margins, 2–10 cm long by 0.5–2 cm wide, with petioles swollen at their bases.
The inflorescences are axillary or terminally erect panicles with numerous hermaphrodite flowers. There are several ovate-oblong sepals of a pinkish white color, and six oblong white petals, each 4 by 2.5 mm. The flowers are borne in early summer in conical clusters held well above the foliage. The fruit is a bright red berry, 5–10 mm diameter, ripening in late autumn and often persisting through the winter.
All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing compounds that decompose to produce hydrogen cyanide, and could be fatal if ingested. The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans, but the berries are considered toxic to cats and grazing animals. Excessive consumption of the berries will kill birds such as cedar waxwings, because they are subject to cyanide toxicosis, resulting in death to multiple individuals at one time.
The berries also contain alkaloids such as nantenine, which is used in scientific research as an antidote to MDMA (ecstasy).
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Nandina domestica is adaptable to a variety of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. However, to achieve the most vibrant colors, the plant should be grown in full sun or some light afternoon shade. It can tolerate heavy shade, but will have brighter colors in full sun. If the shrub is grown in partial to full shade where the foliage remains wet, it may be prone to leaf spot diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideally, heavenly bamboo is grown in a warm, slightly humid, wind-protected environment. While heavenly bamboo can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, they will not survive long in such frigid conditions. For gardeners from regions with cold winters, heavenly bamboo is best grown in containers so it can be Despite its common name, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is not a bamboo at all, but a species of flowering, evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia.
Grown as an ornamental shrub, it is characterized by cane-like stems and finely textured leaves that resemble those of bamboo, which is how Nandina domestica got its common name.
Watering
During its first growing season, water a heavenly bamboo deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system. Ensure the soil is kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. Keep in mind that heavenly bamboo grown in containers will need to be watered even more frequently than plants grown in the garden. Once well-established, mature heavenly bamboo plants are more resistant to drought and can tolerate short periods of drought more readily. After the first growing season, water as needed.
Soil
Heavenly bamboo is not picky when it comes to soil, however, a moist, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil will provide the best results. Adding perlite, sand, or well-composted materials will help to improve drainage if needed.
Fertilizing
Regular fertilizing helps to encourage blooming and preserve a heavenly bamboo’s vibrant color. Apply a fertilizer designed for ornamental shrubs twice a year in the early spring and early summer for the best results.
Planting Instructions
When planting Nandina shrubs, choose a site with full sun or some light afternoon shade. This will help the foliage look its best. Nandina bushes grow in most types of soils, but grow best in soil with a high humus content. This bush can be planted any time of year except midsummer, although spring and autumn provide the best conditions to establish new roots. Space the shrubs according to their mature size. Plant Nandina in holes that are twice as wide but the same depth as their original container. Water well after planting.
Pruning
Heavenly bamboo does best when it is allowed to grow in its natural form rather than being heavily pruned or sheared as a formal hedge. However, lightly pruning the canes of a heavenly bamboo plant once per year will help to keep it looking full. Prune the canes to varying heights for the best results.
Propagation
Heavenly bamboo is most readily propagated through cuttings. Both softwood (new growth) and semi-hardwood cuttings work for propagating heavenly bamboo.
To take a softwood cutting in warmer weather, follow these steps:
- Cut the stem of a heavenly bamboo plant where the newest growth begins. There is often a noticeable difference between last year’s growth and the current year’s growth. The stem should be soft and green.
- Dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone.
- Plant the cutting in a container.
- Keep the soil moist until roots sprout.
Semi-hardwood cuttings are best taken in the summer or early fall. Semi-hardwood is the part of the stem that is partially, but not fully mature. Take these steps:
- Cut part of the cane that is relatively firm but still flexible enough to bend.
- Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Place the cutting in a container.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap to keep in the humidity until roots sprout.
How to Grow From Seed
Cuttings work best, but you can grow heavenly bamboo if you start with fresh seeds. Older seeds can take much longer to germinate, sometimes a year or more. Cleaned and cold-stored seeds can be purchased or the freshest seeds can be harvested from the plant in the fall:
- Pluck berries from plants when they are bright red in the fall.
- Soak berries overnight to soften; then extract the seeds buried in the berries.
- In a seed tray, add well-drained, sandy soil.
- Leave the tray in a cool spot outside (no heat necessary).
- Keep the tray moist
- Fresh/preserved seeds potentially germinate in about two months.
Potting and Repotting
If you are looking to start a container garden, heavenly bamboo is an excellent choice. When grown in a container, a heavenly bamboo plant should only need repotting every two to three years. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist. Heavenly bamboo will need to be watered more frequently when grown in a container versus a garden. Grow heavenly bamboo as a container plant if you live in a region with cold winters as they cannot survive freezing temperatures for very long.
Overwintering
Heavenly bamboo can easily be overwintered indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures. Bring it inside to grow as a houseplant in cool weather, but keep pets away from the berries.
Pests and Diseases
Heavenly bamboo has no serious insect or disease pests, but it is occasionally bothered by scale and mites, and is an amazingly trouble-free plant. But you should know that all parts of the plant are poisonous, containing compounds that decompose to produce hydrogen cyanide, and could be fatal if ingested. The berries are considered toxic to cats and grazing animals. Excessive consumption of the berries will kill birds such as cedar waxwings, because they are subject to cyanide toxicosis, resulting in death to multiple individuals at one time.
III. Uses and Benefits
Heavenly bamboo is often planted in gardens, green belts, and a variety of landscaping. It is appreciated for the distinctive colors of foliage and flowers, as well as for its thick clusters of bright berries that persist throughout the cold months of the year. Mass plantings can create excellent borders, foundation plantings, and hedges, although it is also suitable as a focal point in landscaping design. This species looks good alongside hostas and ornamental grasses, as well as flowers such as Camellias and Hellebores.
