I wanted to talk about heavenly bamboo because I saw some when I was visiting the Queens Botanical Garden and I thought it looked great. And come on, its February, so that’s got to say something about it!
The pictures that I took aren’t that great, but what can I say.. I have the cheapest camera I could get from a department store, so considering that, I think we’re doing okay… haha
Even though the specimens there weren’t maintained all that well, the plant itself should be praised, for sure.
I love the berries they have and the growth is so fiery red, you can’t help but be drawn to it in an otherwise dark and relatively dingy garden.
Random fun facts:
- Heavenly bamboo is NOT related to actual traditional bamboo species. Its a member of the barberry family.
-Its actually more of a temperate plant and flourishes better in the south. (Even though its native to southwest China). In the northeast its sometimes treated as a die back shrub.
- In the winter in China, cut Nandina stems are sold for the Chinese New Year celebration. So its sort of like holly in the US.
The Specs:
Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Nandina
Species: domestica
Common Name: Heavenly Bamboo or Sacred Bamboo
Country/Region of Origin: South China and Japan
Characteristics: Typical species variety (not the specific cultivars, I’m not getting that technical just yet.. haha) can get around 6 to 8 ft tall. Leaves are alternate, large, bi- or tri-pinnately compound with smaller long leaflets. Large panicles of small white flowers happen in the spring, which develop from green to red berries. Has unbranched upright canes that tend to become leggy if not pruned regularly.
Life Span: Semi evergreen woody shrub
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Seasonal Interest:
- Spring: Large white flower panicles
- Summer: Lush green that resembles the fine foliage of bamboo. Green developing berries.
- Fall and Winter: Red berry clusters cover the plant. Red fall color holds on into winter
Cultivation requirements: Prefers moist soil full of rich nutrients. Doesn’t do well in sandy soils. Prefers sunny environments but will survive well in partial shade, particularly in warmer climates. Very drought tolerant
Typical Pests, Diseases, associated problems: In the southeast and other warm temperate areas of the US, its considered invasive.
Propagation Method: Division is the fastest way, but cuttings also readily root.
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