Growing and Pruning Heavenly Bamboo Nandina

Nandina domestica is commonly called Heavenly Bamboo, although it isn’t actually a bamboo. It provides fine evergreen foliage, white flowers in late spring or early summer and red berries later in the year.

Where to plant

Nandina is adaptable and grows in sun or partial shade.

It prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

It is particularly effective in contemporary, Japanese-inspired andwoodland-style gardens.

Care

Water while establishing and during prolonged dry weather.

Apply a mulch in spring.

It usually requires little feeding.

When to prune

Prune in late winter or early spring.

How to prune

Rather than shearing the entire plant, use a selective pruning method.

Remove around one-third of the oldest stems at ground level.

Leave younger stems untouched.

If necessary, shorten particularly tall stems to different heights.

This encourages fresh growth from the base and creates a fuller, morenatural-looking plant.

Important: Nandina has invasive potential in some regions outside its native range, and its berries can be problematic for wildlife in certain circumstances. Check local guidance before planting.