Heavenly bamboo (nandina) Nandina domestica
Heavenly bamboo (nandina) (Nandina domestica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Berberidaceae family, native to Eastern Asia (Himalaya to China and Japan). It grows 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) tall and 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Heavenly bamboo (nandina) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Asia (Himalaya to China and Japan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | US (southeastern states; Florida EPPC Category I), Australia (environmental weed in parts): check local rules before planting |
Is Heavenly bamboo (nandina) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: berries, leaves, stems
Cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids in berries and foliage cause vomiting and can poison birds and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Heavenly bamboo (nandina)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Heavenly bamboo (nandina)
- How far apart should I plant Heavenly bamboo (nandina)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Heavenly bamboo (nandina) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Heavenly bamboo (nandina) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Heavenly bamboo (nandina)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Heavenly bamboo (nandina) flower?
- From about June for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Heavenly bamboo (nandina) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids in berries and foliage cause vomiting and can poison birds and pets.
- What grows well with Heavenly bamboo (nandina)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Heavenly bamboo (nandina). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Spreads by bird-dispersed berries in warm climates; sterile or non-fruiting cultivars exist. Semi-evergreen in cold winters.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
- Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
- Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
- Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens