Also known as Chinese-Bamboo · Domesticated Nandina · Dwarf Harbor
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is an evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant foliage, white flowers, and red berries, offering year-round visual appeal.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best color, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize in spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic. Contains cyanogenic glycosides.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Nandina domestica regularly, especially when young and during dry periods. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Prune Heavenly Bamboo in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant or control its size.
For denser growth, prune back about one-third of the oldest stems.
Nandina domestica can be propagated by seed, which requires stratification, or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Division of established clumps in early spring is also a common and effective method for propagation, ensuring genetic similarity.
Repot young Nandina domestica plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Mature plants rarely need repotting.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica)
Where Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Nandina |
| Species | Nandina domestica |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
