Nandina Domestica

When rightly used, nandina or heavenly bamboo is a garden shrub to be treasured the whole length of the West Coast. Though unrelated to the bamboo, it may be put to the same architectural uses, for each of its erect, notched and cane-like branches carries a grace of its own. The leaves, which may be 20 inches long and have many 1/2-inch firmly-textured leaflets, are tinged when young with tones of bronze-pink. When mature, they are a shiny light green and in fall they go from purple-bronze to bright crimson.

When more than one plant is grown and cross-fertilization occurs, the loose clusters of creamy-white or light-pink spring flowers which are erect and terminal, are followed by large scarlet berries.

Heavenly bamboo is evergreen, grows slowly and is a bit fussy about where it is placed. It likes shelter and some shade, though berries and foliage color are better in sun. It should have plenty of water and rich and well-drained soil. If the soil is alkaline, iron should be added. It is particularly suited to corners and is effective against a wall where it casts shadow patterns. Before placing nandina, the gardener should know what he expects from his plant. If a narrow slender shrub is to be the result and the airy structural grace of each cane is required, reduce the number of stems by cutting some off at the ground. In this way individual character can be cleverly silhouetted. If a thick bush or a hedge is needed, all new bushy growth should be encouraged

Nandina is so usable and so popular that it is carried by every general nursery. In the coldest sections it is partly deciduous even in sheltered spots. It will live if the temperature drops to 10° but will probably become defoliated. As a tub plant the delightful pattern of its stems and leaves can be shown to advantage. In this case use the dwarf form known as pygmaea, which is carried by some nurseries. In its native Japan and China, where it is called the sacred bamboo, heavenly bamboo is often planted beside the entrance. If domestic trouble arises within the home, the matter is fully explained to the door-side shrub and the situation irons itself out. Hence the botanical name, Nandina domestica.

by L Rountree

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