Heavenly Bamboo Sacred Bamboo

Nandina domestica (Berberidaceae) is an erect, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, and India. It grows 3 to 8 feet tall (dwarf forms under 3 feet), producing compound leaves up to 100 cm long that progress through a striking color sequence: red in spring, blue-green in summer, and purple-red in fall. Bright red berries (8 mm) persist through winter in showy clusters.

Heavenly bamboo grows in part shade to shade and adapts to a range of soils but prefers moist, fertile conditions. Drought tolerance is low and water needs are high. Cultivars span many sizes and foliage effects: 'Fire Power' (dwarf, intense red winter color), 'Gulfstream' (compact, blue-green to red), 'Filamentosa' (cut-leaf texture), and 'Blush Pink' (pink new growth). Documented problems include mosaic virus, powdery mildew, aphids, and bamboo spider mite. The fruit contains cyanide compounds and is toxic to birds and livestock. The species is considered invasive in the southeastern United States. Hardy in Zones 6a to 8b.