Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ (Heavenly Bamboo)

Noted for its foliage color, Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ (Heavenly Bamboo) is a compact, bushy, evergreen shrub adding multi-season beauty to the garden. In spring, a profusion of tiny white flowers adorned with golden anthers appear in conical panicles at the tips of the branches. Rich in nectar, they attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are sometimes followed by abundant clusters of red berries which persist throughout fall and winter. Ornamental and adding winter interest to the landscape, they are held against the lacy foliage of pinnate leaves divided into lance-shaped leaflets. Emerging bronze-orange, the leaves mature to soft green, often retaining a red-orange flush, before turning attractive shades of red and gold in the fall. Highly popular in the landscape, Gulf Stream is one of the toughest and most adaptable plants. It makes a lovely informal hedge, can be used as a foundation planting, in containers or in the mixed border.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
• A full sun to light shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Best foliage and fruit production generally occur in full sun. Provide a sheltered location and apply organic winter mulch. Drought tolerant once established.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens, foundation plantings. Perfect as a specimen plant or for low hedges
• Low maintenance, it is generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
• Both leaves and berries are toxic to livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Nandina domestica species is native to Japan, China and India. Plant tends to be invasive in the southeastern U.S., where it has escaped cultivation.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.