|
Landscaping Value:
Useful in narrow planting beds that need tall upright
plants. Makes a nice informal hedge or screen, but it
loses all character when it is sheared. Many varieties
are more compact than the species.
Planting
them in groups increases likelihood of berries. |
|
 |
Nandina is a very versatile plant, useful in many
landscape situations. |
|
Other Cultivars:
Over 60 named cultivars.
‘Alba’ has a white berry.
‘Flora’ has golden yellow fruit.
‘Moon Bay’ grows to 2.5 feet high and
wide; leaves are lighter green than the species,
not known flower or fruit.
‘Richmond’ is vigorous with scarlet
fruit in the winter.
|
|
|
References: Brenzel,
Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001. Sunset Western Garden Book, 7th ed.
Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA
Dirr, Michael A., 1990. Manual of Woody
Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental characteristics,
Culture, Propagation and Uses. 4th ed., Stipes Publishing Company,
Champaign, IL.
Huxley, Anthony and mark Griffiths eds. 1992. New
Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening (4 vols.)
Stockton Press. New York. |
|
at
a glance:
Common Name:
Heavenly
bamboo, Sacred bamboo
Location: West side of Yao Japanese garden
Plant type:
Evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub
Family:
Berberidaceae
Height/Spread:
Slow to moderate 6 to 8 feet, stems erect,
cane-like clumped 3 – 4 feed wide.
Leaves:
Alternate, clustered towards summit. Bi to
tripinnate to 2.5 feet. Held semi erect to horizontal. Leaflets to 3
inches elliptic, lanceolate creating a lacy pattern. Emerging lime
green tinted rose. Hardening to soft light green, paler beneath.
Leaves become red to purple in autumn, especially in sunnier
locations. Moyer’s red has broad leaflets and is brilliant red in
the winter
Flower: Many
small, creamy white flowers in a loose terminal cluster. Erect to
arching up to 1.5 feet. Opening in summer, each flower has three-merous
petals (3 – 6), and 6 yellow stamens. A bright red, pea-sized
berry follows. The plant may carry flowers and ripening fruit at the
same time.
Disease/pests:
Amazingly trouble free. Resistant to oak root fungus.
Bloom Period:
July to August
Conditions:
Plant
in rich, somewhat acid, moist but well drained soil. Once
plant is established it competes well for moisture. Tolerates
deep shade but gets best color when placed in a cool sunny
position. Protect from wind. It is frost hardy, but the young
tips may be damaged in severe frost. Remove damaged foliage by
cutting shoots back to the base.
Natural Range:
China
Hardiness:
USDA zone 6 – 9
Accession Number:
01-100 |
