Grown mainly for its foliage Nandina domestica is also know as ‘sacred bamboo’. Originally from Japan this is not actually a bamboo at all, and is not invasive like many bamboos, although it may self seed. Grown for the foliage which is green when new and then turns to red. You will find that the red color is more intense in colder climates.
Being a very hardy plant, they can be grown in containers or in the garden, and with both small and taller growing varieties available you can find a type suited to almost any landscaping application.
Landscaping Uses
The species itself is relatively low growing N. domestica will reach around 1.5m, excellent when used as a low hedging plant. Some lower growing or ‘dwarf’ cultivars are also available, used widely as low borders or for mass planting in commercial landscapes
Grown as a low screen, in clumps, as a border plant or as a foliage plant in pots or containers its bamboo like foliage is sometimes accompanied by small flowers followed by white berrys.
Nandina domesticas it copes with a range of situations including full sun to shade, poor soil and lack of moisture. N.domestica and its cultivars are widely used when landscaping in difficult situations. Evergreen, but with good autumn color, an excellent choice for a low growing hedging plant in tough positions. and is a tough drought tolerant.
Nandina Care
These are a particularly low care plant once established.
- Full sun to dappled shade.
- Well drained humus rich soil.
- Dig over the soil before planting adding some extra compost if required.
- Plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the new plants to retain some moisture.
- Water through the first summer.
- Fertilise in spring using a general purpose slow release type fertiliser.
Pruning
Over time Nandina will form a large clump that can easily be divided in early spring, it will self seed so remove flower heads before the berries form or look for ‘Gulf Stream’ which does not seem to flower. Light pruning will help keep the plants bushy and compact.
Species and varieties
A number of forms and cultivars are available for sale in Australia:
- Nandina domestica ‘nana’ a dwarf variety that will reach a little over .5m. New green foliage that turns to a brilliant mix of red, orange and purple
- Nandina domestica domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ (Moon Bay) is a recent introduction, low growing (around .6m) it seems to be a sterile cultivar as we have not seen it flower. New green foliage turns to a orange to salmon pink.
- Nandina domestica ‘Blush’ good pink to red foliage for long periods.
Plants are readily available for sale from both retail and wholesale nurseries.
Nandina domestica is available for sale from the following participating suppliers
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au