Nandina domestica - the sky bamboo - particularly decorative garden plant
The Nandina domestica, also called the sky bamboo, originates from China, Japan and India. In its native country, the plant is often found along riverbanks and in temple gardens. This is where the German name Himmelsbambus (sky bamboo) comes from. Nandina belongs to the barberry family, but the shrub is not related to bamboo at all. The Nandina domestica reaches a height of 1-2 metres and a width of about 2 metres. It forms several shoots that hardly branch out.
Leaves, flowers and fruits of the celestial bamboo
The lanceolate, lanceolate leaves of the holy bamboo are arranged in an alternating pattern and reach a length of 30-50 cm. The individual leaves are about 7 cm long and are two- to three-pinnate. With its extraordinarily beautiful colour change, the Nandina is a desirable and decorative element for any garden. The freshly sprouting red leaves subsequently turn green to enchant with a spectacular play of colour in autumn. The autumn colour ranges from bright yellow to radiant orange and intense purple. The Nandina domestica retains its foliage throughout the winter. The flowering season of the Sacred Bamboo is from June to July. The narrow panicles, up to 35 cm long, bear white, bright flowers. The white flowers develop into red spherical berries that also stand together in a panicle. They are another very decorative element of this beautiful winter plant.
Site and Soil
The shrub, Holy Bamboo is hardy to about -12 degrees Celsius, and prefers a wind-protected site in partial shade. In a humusy, well-drained soil with a rather acidic pH value, the Nandina domestica feels right at home. The bamboo prefers high soil moisture without waterlogging. If you buy a bamboo of heaven and keep it as a pot plant, you should prefer bog soil and pay attention to a good water drainage of the pot.
Planting and care
If you want to plant the Bamboo of Heaven in the flower bed, you can do so all year round, as the plant is supplied as a container plant. The plant is considered easy to care for in the right location. Ensure even soil moisture and water the Nandina with soft rainwater if possible. As an evergreen plant, Nandina domestica also needs water in winter as required. As a pot plant, you should water the bamboo between May and August. Once the container is fully rooted, you must transplant the bamboo. This is necessary about every 3 years. The shrub, Holy Bamboo, is hardy and is particularly suitable for gardens with a Japanese flair or stone gardens. However, the Nandina domestica is also a very decorative element in any other garden.
Use and combination with other plantsof the Bamboo of Heaven
The Holy Bamboo is suitable as a beautiful decorative solitary plant, but also in groups it impresses with its beauty. It combines well with rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry laurels, camellias, sycamores, hydrangeas and funkias. The plant is a very enriching element in any garden. It can also be used as a hedge and enchants with its bright berries and radiantly colourful autumn colouring.
