Nandina domestica

Heavenly Bamboo

(25 customer reviews)

A low maintenance evergreen shrub with stunning foliage, the Nandina domestica is renowned for its continual shift of colours from season to season.

This enchanting plant provides renewed interest during all four seasons: sunset red tones appear on the edges of leaves in spring, followed by lush clusters of tiny white flowers in summer as the foliage turns pale green and then, in a good season, green berries appear. Come autumn the leaves take on a vibrant red and burnt orange hue and the berries redden, remaining long into winter.

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Origin: China, Japan
Genus: Nandina
Species / Cultivar: domestica
Common Name: Heavenly Bamboo
Synonym: Nandina denudata

Plant Biography

The name Nandina is a Latinised version of the original Japanese ‘nanten’, which translates to ‘southern sky’, likely referencing the sunset hues the leaves turn.

However, ‘nanten’ is a homophone also meaning “problems which turn for the better”. This references their several spiritual connotations and association with good fortune – traditionally being planted next to buildings to protect the household from harm, as well as cut and arranged with other plants at new year to create ‘kadomatsu’, also to bring good fortune to the home.

Nandina domestica
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Low
Will grow in a drier position and is unlikely to need regular watering once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 2m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 2m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

Despite being known as 'Heavenly Bamboo', Nandina is not actually a bamboo but rather part of the Berberidaceae family. Given the similarities in their appearance it makes for a perfect and colourful bamboo alternative, which isn't invasive or difficult to care for.
Four Seasons Of Interest

Four Seasons Of Interest

This enchanting plant provides renewed interest during all four seasons: sunset red tones appear on the edges of leaves in spring, followed by lush clusters of tiny white flowers in summer as the foliage turns pale green and then, in a good season, green berries appear.

Come autumn the leaves take on a vibrant red and burnt orange hue and the berries redden, remaining long into winter.

Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Nandina domestica will grow in practically any soil, taking extreme drought in its stride once firmly established.

For it to thrive we recommend a sheltered location that gets some full sun and some afternoon shade. Planting Nandina domestica in a sunny spot encourages the most vibrant and long lasting colourful foliage.

Can really recommend this shrub ideal for container gardens. It is fabulous and gives wonderful colour all year round. I have two large containers of this which I have had for over ten years and they never fail to perform.

Maeve Chandler

Can really recommend this shrub ideal for container gardens. It is fabulous and gives wonderful colour all year round. I have two large containers of this which I have had for over ten years and they never fail to perform.

25 customer reviews for Nandina domestica

Can’t argue with the price when you see the quality in real life. Lush and healthy, packaged well; just hope they cope with the black Fenland soil here.

Lee Stockton (verified owner)

Absolutely delighted with the four plants I purchased, they were packaged beautifully and the plants were stunning! I real again. Thank you.

Anne Eadie (verified owner)

I purchased online a Nandina Domestica Heavenly plant and am extremely pleased with the excellent healthy product, impressive packaging, safe delivery and brilliant customer service throughout the whole procedure. Would have no hesitations in recommending this company for online purchasing of plants.

Valerie Collier (verified owner)

I have taken delivery of a Nandina Domestica Heavenly plant this morning and am absolutely delighted with it. It is a strong and sturdy plant and I am very impressed with the packaging, perfect for the carriage of a plant. The plant pot was placed in a box, the branches and foliage were held firmly with fine garden netting and then surrounded by a funnel of corrugated cardboard. This packaging ensured that the plant was kept upright during its journey ensuring no damage. Thank you from a highly satisfied customer, Val (Buxton, Derbyshire)

Valerie Collier (verified owner)