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Nandina domestica

heavenly bamboo

A small, upright, elegant evergreen shrub with a bamboo-like habit to around 2m in height, with compound leaves and lanceolate leaflets which are purplish when young and in winter. Small white flowers in large panicles appear in summer, followed by red berries

Other common names
Chinese sacred bamboo
sacred bamboo
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Purple
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Berberidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Nandina are erect, evergreen shrubs with pinnate to 3-pinnate leaves composed of lance-shaped leaflets which colour well in autumn, and panicles of small, star-shaped white flowers, followed by bright red fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a virus

Get involved

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