Nandina domestica aka Nandina
Taxonomy
Nandina domestica, also known as nandina, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, ranging from the Himalayas to Japan. Despite its common names, it is not a bamboo but an erect evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. The plant has numerous, usually unbranched stems growing from ground level and glossy leaves that are sometimes deciduous in colder areas. The leaves are 50-100 cm long, bi- to tri-pinnately compound, and have individual leaflets that are 4-11 cm long and 1.5-3 cm broad.
Nandina domestica is widely grown in gardens as an ornamental plant due to its bright-red fall foliage in the cool months and attractive new foliage growth in spring. The plant has a number of cultivars to choose from. The young leaves in spring are brightly coloured pink to red before turning green. Old leaves turn red or purple again before falling. The Latin genus name Nandina is derived from the Japanese name nanten, while the specific epithet domestica means 'domesticated' or 'of the household'.
Although a popular ornamental shrub, the berries of Nandina domestica are toxic to birds, especially towards the end of winter when other food sources become scarce. When pruning, it is recommended to stagger the lengths of canes rather than pruning straight across. The plant also spreads by suckers and is drought tolerant once established. Overall, Nandina domestica is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds color and interest to any garden.
Common names
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred BambooHow to care for Nandina
Difficulty
Nandina requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Nandina should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Nandina loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Nandina requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Nandina will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Nandina to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Nandina is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The growth of Nandina is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Nandina’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan and India.
More info:
Wikipedia
