Nandina domestica Obsessed
heavenly bamboo 'Seika'
A dense, compact, evergreen shrub, known by the common name Heavenly bamboo despite being from the Berberis family. The lance-shaped leaflets are bright red when young, maturing to a a dark green. Small white flowers are borne on conical panicles in summer.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Nandina are erect, evergreen shrubs with pinnate to 3-pinnate leaves composed of lance-shaped leaflets which colour well in autumn, and panicles of small, star-shaped white flowers, followed by bright red fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with moist but well-drained soil. Doesn't produce fruit.
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Sow seeds in a cold frame.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.