Plant of the Week:

NANDINA DOMESTICA, Heavenly Bamboo

If you love winter berries and birds, they you’ll love Nandina Domestica! Berries brighten the landscape and provide a splash of color during an otherwise dreary time of the year. Berry-producing trees and shrubs pull double duty — not only by adding interest to the landscape but also by providing a nutritious snack for birds and other wildlife through cold winter months. Feeding birds comes naturally when you grow trees and shrubs that provide wholesome berries.

There are a variety of berry-producing shrubs to choose from. One of our favorites is Heavenly Bamboo (also known as Nandina Domestica). Domestica is known for its attractive, lacy foliage resembling bamboo leaves. Tiny whitish flowers with yellow anthers appear in late spring and are followed by sprays of round, red berries which continue from fall to spring.

This evergreen shrub is one of the toughest and most adaptable shrubs to a variety of conditions. Nandinas grow anywhere from 5 to 8 feet tall, but can be kept at a compact size by pruning. Domestica can be grown in partial shade, although its foliage colors will be more intense if it’s grown in full sun. Ideal as a screen or hedge planting and can also be grown in containers. From its unique foliage and tiny flowers to fall color and brilliant red berries, Heavenly Bamboo is a perfect choice for most any Hampton Roads landscape — oh, and your fine feathered friends will thank you too!

Check out more of our favorite plants! OUR PLANTS OF THE WEEK >>