Nandina domestica aka Nandina

Taxonomy

Genus Nandina Family Berberidaceae Order Ranunculales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
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 Bamboo

How 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Nandina prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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

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