YardSmart

Nandina has Spread far from its 'Heavenly' Roots

In China, the Nan-din shrubs are often found just outside doors to the house. According to a Victorian author, should anyone have a bad dream it was confided to the "home shrub" to ensure no harm would follow.

What that Westerner may have construed as talking to the shrub was more likely a conversation with the door god, Men Shen. It was he who guarded the house against demons, allowing the family to sleep peacefully without being troubled by demonic dreams.

During the height of the English Empire, little was known about the mysteries of Asia. Those who did venture into China to trade no doubt misunderstood a great deal of what they saw. In terms of the Nan-din shrub, or what we know now as nandina, the Chinese planted it near doorways because it was pretty. They also liked to grow nandina at temples, and this led to its common name, sacred or heavenly bamboo.

Today we allow nandina to grow freely into a large bushy shrub. The multiple stems tend to grow straight up in an almost bamboo-like form. Chinese gardeners would carefully clip away the lower foliage to allow these rods to show through the few remaining wisps of leaves. If you could see a well-pruned nandina in the Asian style you would instantly understand why it is visually grouped with bamboo. You would also realize how tragic it is when gardeners routinely shear this natural beauty into square or oval shapes.

Unlike bamboo, this evergreen shrub _ more akin to barberries _ has whole lot more color to offer. The original species, Nandina domestica, produces bright red new growth that faded to a very vivid lime green. It blooms in open trusses of small white flowers in summer. By the winter holidays the heavy bunches of bright red berries rival holly as holiday decor.

When cut, these berries hold their color and shape and are coveted by flower arrangers.

Over the past 20 years the standard and dwarf nandina with its variable color has come of age. While there are more than 60 named varieties, many of Japanese origin, breeders in America and New Zealand have made some striking new introductions.

These produce far more intensely colored plants in a wide range of reliable sunset hues from burgundy to gold that literally glows. With the advent of gardens designed with colored foliage, nandina is the backbone of the winter palette.

Sienna Sunrise, introduced By Mornvoia in 2003, is the hottest new variety. At maturity it reaches just three to four feet tall, making an excellent year around color accent for smaller landscapes. Plum Passion has been around awhile, and is known for the purplish coloring of the accent foliage. It is taller, to about five feet, and well suited to the bamboo-like pruning style.

The most outstanding dwarf is Firepower, developed in New Zealand. It reaches only about 30 inches tall and wide at maturity. Dwarfs are bushier in form and make a great low hedge. It's often used in masses that exploit the benefit of its off-season color.

In the wild, nandina is found in sheltered ravines and valleys in the warmer parts of China and southern Japan. The climate there is similar to the American south and far west. The species is hardy to Zone 6, but the named cultivars may be slightly less cold tolerant. In general, nandinas are pest and disease free, requiring no special care. In fact, they are so eager to grow in Florida that it is listed there as a Class I invasive.

Nandina plants also have been known to live for more than a century.

While it is not actually a bamboo, nandina is certainly heavenly. The Chinese got it right: plant at doorways where you can enjoy the evergreen beauty and color year around. But don't pay them too much attention as you pass by or Men Shen might get jealous and cease to guard your dreams.

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