Nandina domestica

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Plant
ID 121 Nandina domestica
Botanic Name Nandina domestica
Common Name Sacred Bamboo, Heavenly Bamboo
Family Name Berberidaceae
Cultivars 'Gulf Stream'
Origin Japan, China, Zone 6-9
Growth Type Shrub
Bark Type Cane-like
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 1
Growth Habit Clumping Growth Rate Fast
Height 1.5 - 3 m (5 - 10 ft) Spread 3.5 m (12 ft)
Plant Overview
This shrub forms bamboo-like clumps of upright suckering cane-like stems. The divided leaves are reddish green turning yellowish under cold conditions and the tiny star-shaped white flowers appear from spring to summer followed by red berries.
Leaf
Type Compound Additional Information
Shape Pinnate
The large leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate up to 450mm (18in) long by 150mm (6in) wide. They have glabrous leaflets that are ovate-elliptical up to 70mm (3in) long with an acute apex and are almost sessile. The leaf is bronze-red during spring.
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Glossy green
Size 380 - 450 mm ( 15.0 - 17.7 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Stellate
The tiny unisexual stellate flowers have golden anthers and 3 to 6 petals and are up to 10mm (3/8in) wide. They are arranged in a terminal, conical panicle that is up to 400mm (16in) tall and appears from late spring to summer.
Inflorescence Panicle
Colour White
Size 8 - 10 mm ( 0.3 - 0.4 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Berry Additional Information
Colour Red
The bright red berries are up to 9mm (3/8in) in diameter and contain two seeds. They are arranged in a large panicle that arches and is a feature of the plant throughout winter. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.
Edible No
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 8 - 9 mm ( 0.3 - 0.4 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained, sandy, chalky, silty and clay loam, moist and fertile, pH 5.5-7.5
Container Tubs, pots, planter boxes
Climate Temperate
Aspect Full sun to semi shade, open position, drought and frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases No pest and disease problem, chlorosis in alkaline soil, deer-rabbit resistant
Fertiliser Added compost to the soil and apply complete fertiliser in spring
Pruning Remove old canes, prune up to give a bamboo look, thin out to allow new growth to come through
Cultural Uses Propagation
Sacred Bamboo is grown for its glossy foliage and colourful red fruit. It is planted in small or Japanese gardens along borders or as a specimen for foliage contrast. It is also used for hedging or as a low screen and can be cultivated in tubs.
Sow fresh seed during spring in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate. Divide the clump during winter. Take semi hardwood cuttings during summer and placed in a sandy mix under glass.
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