Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Nandina domestica (Sacred Bamboo) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with composed leaves that are bright green in summer, becoming orange, pink and red in autumn and winter. Nandina is one of our top picks for autumn and winter months.

Nandina domestica is native to Asia and the very ornamental foliage creates interesting contrasts in the garden. The white and slightly expressive flowering in the summer turns into numerous beautiful red berries in autumn and winter.

Plant profile

These clusters of red berries can be a precious help for Christmas decorations. One of the common names attributed to Nandina is Sacred Bamboo, for its erect thin stems and for propagating by rhizomes. But don’t worry because it’s not as “invading” as some of the real bamboos.

How to plant Nandina domestica

Nadina are very versatile plants that grow well in the shade or in the sun. They are very resistant to cold and frost tolerant. They prefer fertile soils rich in organic matter, but they grow on all types of soils.

Nandinas can be planted in pots. They can also be planted to form a shrub border, or planted in group. They are perfect plants for difficult places.

Nandina domestica berries in fall

Propagation

Nandina domestica can be propagated by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings or by division. Check our guide on How to divide Nandina domestica

Maintenance

There are practically no known pest and disease attacks on these species. Once well established, Nandina can withstand a few weeks of drought, but must be watered during the hottest season. With regard to pruning, one should simply eliminate the weaker or older branches to maintain a dense shape.