A bamboo-like shrub with striking foliage
About Nandina Domestica
Nandina domestica, or heavenly bamboo, is completely unrelated to bamboo. Its name comes from its fine, bamboo-like foliage and its cane-like stems. It is an evergreen to deciduous shrub that will grow to 5 feet tall , 3 feet wide, at a moderate rate. Some sources list Nandina domestica as hardy only to zone 7, but it is hardy to zone 6 with some dieback. It will lose its leaves at 10°F, and at -10°F, its stems will die back to the ground. Recovery is quick in the spring.
Nandina domestica ‘Monum’ / Plum Passion® (Heavenly bamboo). The colorful, finely-textured foliage creates a striking contrast with big-leaved background plants like Musella lasiocarpa.
Many named cultivars of heavenly bamboo exist, each with different variations in color. Many nandinas feature tropical-looking leaf color combinations of brilliant reds, bronzes, and greens, as well as bright red color in the fall. Some cultivars recently offered by Monrovia have notably superior foliage color. They include ‘Monum’ (Plum Passion®), ‘Monfar’ (Sienna Sunrise™), and ‘Firepower’.
Nandina domestica may be grown in partial shade, but the foliage colors will be much more intense if it is grown in sun. It prefers a moist, somewhat rich, acidic soil. Once established, it becomes very adaptable and will tolerate a wide range of conditions. Site the plant to protect it from harsh winds.
