Nandina Domestica
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina Domestica, also known as Heavenly Bamboo is still in all its splendor provided the temperature hasn't been too severe and the leaves haven't dropped off. Having interesting white flowers over lacey foliage in the spring and an amazing fall and winter color. This is a hardy small to medium shrub that does well growing in full sun to part shade. More intense color is found in plants growing in full sun. Growth is best in slightly acidic soils from zone 6 to 9. The species has a spectacular berry set which makes the interesting branches bend over gracefully. More showy than most hollies during this time of year because the fruit is not hidden by the foliage. Later in the winter, birds will eat these berries. Also good for fresh flower arrangements are the leaves and berries.There are no rules as to winter coloration. Leaf color varies from copper to a purplish red with some examples varying from fluorescent red to barely off red.
Size ranges from 6-10' high for the species, with several of the compact forms much smaller at 2-4' varieties. Some plants will defoliate partially while others are not affected during severs winters.
Atropurpurea Nana - 2' high lump, reddish purple through the year, with a uniform red color during the winter months. This plant is subject to a virus which can curl or roll the leaves.
Fire Power - A flourescent glowing red winter color with a dense compact habit 2' high at maturity. No flower or fruit with this cultivar.
Harbour Dwarf - Forming a dense compact mound from the ground. Perhaps the finest of the Nandinas. An extremely graceful form. White flowers and red fruit.
Moyers Red - Tall growing excellent red to purple foliage in fall. Pinkinsh flowers and very red fruit
Native to Japan, China, and India, imported to the US in1804.