🌿 Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina, also called Heavenly Bamboo, is a graceful evergreen shrub prized for its ever-changing foliage and clusters of bright red berries. Despite its common name, it isn’t a true bamboo but gets its nickname from tall, cane-like stems. This versatile plant adds four seasons of beauty to the landscape with new growth that emerges bronze or red, matures to green, and turns fiery red or burgundy in fall and winter.

🌸 Flowers & Foliage

• Foliage: Lacy, compound leaves that shift colors with the seasons — bronze-red in spring, green in summer, red to burgundy in fall/winter

• Flowers: Creamy-white flower clusters in late spring to early summer

• Fruit: Bright red berries in fall and winter that persist for months

🌱 Plant Details

• Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub

• Mature Size: 4–8 ft. tall × 2–4 ft. wide (compact and dwarf cultivars available)

• Growth Habit: Upright, cane-like stems with airy, bamboo-like foliage

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun)

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; adaptable to sandy or clay soils

• Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9

• Maintenance: Very low; prune canes at the base to control height or encourage fullness

🌟 Why We Love It

• Four-season interest — changing foliage colors and persistent berries

• Graceful texture — airy, bamboo-like leaves soften landscapes

• Wildlife value — berries attract birds (though not all species can safely eat them)

• Low-maintenance — thrives in varied soils with minimal care

🌼 Landscape Uses

• Foundation plantings and borders

• Woodland or naturalized gardens

• Accent plant in mixed beds

• Mass plantings for color and texture

• Containers for seasonal interest

⚠️ Plant Notes

• Berries can be toxic to some birds and pets if consumed in large quantities.

• Avoid heavy pruning; cut select canes at the base instead to maintain shape.

✅ Level To Leaf Tip: Plant Nandina in groups of three or more for the best color impact — the mix of bronze, green, and red foliage creates a natural gradient that lasts all year.