ShrubsNandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo
Heavenly bamboo is a graceful shrub with finely compound foliage that emerges reddish-bronze in spring, turns green in summer and colours spectacularly red again in autumn. In June plumes of small white flowers appear, followed by decorative red berry clusters that persist deep into winter. Despite the name, it is not a true bamboo.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 100–200 cm
- Spread
- 80–150 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 6–9
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- birds
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained, fertile soil. The best autumn colour develops in full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch around the base in autumn. Hardy to zone 6, but protect young plants during their first winter.
Pruning tips
Prune in early spring by cutting the oldest, barest stems at the base — this encourages new growth. Avoid cutting all stems to the same height as this gives an unnatural look. Prune sparingly to retain berry-bearing wood.
Good companions
ShrubsCamellia japonica
Japanese Camellia
Japanese camellia is a stunning evergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage and spectacular, rosette-shaped flowers in red, pink or white appearing from January to April — a welcome splash of colour in early spring. The elegant blooms resemble roses and can be double or single-petalled.
ShrubsPieris japonica
Japanese Andromeda
Japanese andromeda is an elegant evergreen shrub that captivates three times a year: in spring with graceful, drooping clusters of white bell-shaped flowers; then with spectacular red or bronze new foliage that gradually turns green; and year-round with its compact, glossy canopy. A jewel in the shade border.
TreesAcer palmatum
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple is a graceful tree or large shrub with deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn spectacular shades of red, orange, or gold in autumn. Its elegant growth habit makes it a focal point in any garden. Hundreds of cultivars exist, from compact and rounded to broad and spreading.