Plant Guide

nandina-domestica-richmond

Nandina domestica 'Richmond'

Evergreen shrub with finely divided leaves and showy brilliant red berries in winter. Stems are upright and cane-like, a bit like bamboo (but not suckering), hence the common names "heavenly bamboo", "Chinese bamboo" and "sacred bamboo" for the species. Foliaged is composed of many small lance-shaped to elliptical leaves to 2 cm long, some of which colour up to burgundy-red in the colder months of the year. Small creamy white, star-shaped flowers, 1 cm across, in panicles at the ends of stems mainly during summer.

Nandina domestica 'Richmond' is self-fertile, i.e. does not require another plant to produce berries. For Nandina domestica itself to  form berries both male and female plants should be planted together.

Prefers a partially shaded or sunny position in any, fertile soil. Copes reasonably well with  full shade. Quite drought-tolerant. If pruning is required, selectively prune some of the stems at a ttime instead of cutting the whole plant back.

Its growth habit and delicate foliage make this the perfect choice for gardens with an oriental theme. Can also be grown as a tub plant.

Type of plant

Shrub - Evergreen

Size

1.5-2.5 m tall

Landscape Use

fruit display, bamboo-like growth habit and ferny foliage, gardens with an oriental theme, container plant

Specifications

  • Temperature: Hardy
  • Light: Medium High
  • Moisture: Low Medium
  • Soil: Light Medium Heavy
  • Wind tolerance: Average
  • Coastal tolerance: Average