Also known as Heavenly Bamboo · 56 gardener saves
Nandina: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Nandina, the genus most gardeners know as heavenly bamboo. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Nandina varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlush Pink Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica 'Blush Pink'
#2 most savedObsession Nandina
Nandina domestica 'Seika'
#3 most savedGulf Stream Nandina
Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'
Harbor Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica 'Jaytee'
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica 'Harbor Dwarf'
Compact Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica 'Compacta'
Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica 'Aka'
How to grow Nandina
What the Nandina varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Nandina year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Pruning is rarely needed, but can be done in late winter to shape.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October86% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in well-drained soil.
- FertilizeMarch57% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer as new growth begins
- MulchApril43% of varieties
Apply a layer of mulch in spring to conserve moisture.
Do
- Provide supplemental water during extreme drought.
- Allow the plant to develop its natural, dense shape.
- Enjoy the changing foliage colors throughout the seasons.
- Plant in groups for a dramatic mass planting effect.
- Water during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained locations.
- Do not plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
- Avoid heavy pruning, which will ruin its natural form.
- Do not rely on it for berries; this cultivar is mostly sterile.
What goes wrong with Nandina
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Insects | Small, hard bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sticky honeydew and sooty mold. | Scrub off light infestations. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Systemic insecticides can be used for heavy infestations. |
| Scale | Small, hard bumps on stems, sometimes with sticky honeydew or sooty mold. | Generally pest-free. If present, use a soft brush to remove them or apply horticultural oil. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Whiteflies | Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when disturbed; sticky residue on leaves. | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce lacewing larvae as a biological control. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting, and overall decline. | This is caused by poor drainage. Ensure soil is well-drained before planting. There is no cure. |
| Chlorosis | Yellowing of leaves while the veins remain green, typically caused by iron deficiency in alkaline soils. | Amend soil with elemental sulfur or iron sulfate to lower pH. Apply chelated iron as a foliar spray or soil drench for a quick fix. |
| Leaf Spot | Reddish-purple spots on leaves that may develop gray centers. | Improve air circulation. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply a copper-based fungicide if severe. |
Making more Nandina
Division
- In early spring, carefully dig up the entire plant clump.
- Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the clump into smaller sections.
- Ensure each division has a good portion of roots and several canes.
- Replant the divisions immediately and water them in well.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 6-inch cuttings in summer from current season's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep moist and humid; roots form in 8-10 weeks.
Nandina questions
How many types of Nandina are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Nandina varieties. The most popular — ranked by 56 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Nandina grow in?
Across its varieties, Nandina covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Nandina bloom?
Most Nandina varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Nandina should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Nandina shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Nandina in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
