Noted for its spectacular red berries and excellent foliage color, Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) is an attractive, small, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub adding multi-season beauty to the garden. In spring, a profusion of tiny, white flowers adorned with golden anthers appear in long arching panicles at the tips of the branches. Rich in nectar, they attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by abundant clusters of green berries which ripen to bright red and persist throughout fall and winter. Ornamental and adding winter interest to the landscape, they are held against the lacy foliage which emerges purple, matures soft green and turns purple to reddish-purple in fall. Highly popular in the landscape, Heavenly Bamboo is one of the toughest and most adaptable plants, its berry-laden branches providing a pleasing vertical accent.

However, both leaves and berries are toxic to livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife. In addition, Heavenly Bamboo is invasive in the southeastern U.S., where it has escaped cultivation. There are a number of beautiful alternative shrubs to use in place of heavenly bamboo in the landscape, including Mahonia (Grape Holly) or Ilex (Holly). Find more alternatives with our Plant Finder.

• A slow to moderate grower, this rhizomatous shrub enjoys an upright, bamboo-like habit. Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-480 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils as well as full shade. Best foliage and fruit production generally occur in full sun. For best fruiting, plant several specimens as single plants seldom fruit heavily. Provide a sheltered location and apply organic winter mulch. Drought tolerant once established.
• Low maintenance, it is generally pest and disease free.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders, woodland gardens, foundation plantings. Perfect as specimen plant or for informal hedges
• Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
• Native to Japan, China and India. Plants tend to be invasive in some southern states.