shrub

Compact Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Compacta'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

All parts, especially berries, are toxic if ingested. Berries contain cyanide and can be fatal to birds.

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica is an evergreen shrub known for its fine-textured, bamboo-like foliage and multi-season interest. Despite its common name, it is not a true bamboo but a member of the barberry family. 'Compacta' is a dwarf variety that maintains a dense, rounded form without extensive pruning. It is noted for its excellent foliage color, with new growth emerging with a bronze tint, turning green in summer, and taking on reddish-purple hues in winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Nandina 'Compacta' is a workhorse in the landscape, providing year-round structure and color. Its fine-textured foliage offers a delicate contrast to broadleaf plants, and its transition from green to red provides dynamic winter interest.

This shrub is exceptionally low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. Its compact size is perfect for foundation plantings, narrow beds, and massing where a tough, reliable plant is needed. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions.

Ecologically, Nandina domestica is problematic in many areas, particularly the southeastern U.S., where it has escaped cultivation and become invasive. Furthermore, its berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic and have been documented to kill birds, especially Cedar Waxwings.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil; amend with compost if needed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container.
Gently remove the plant and loosen any circling roots.
Set the plant in the hole with the root crown at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water in well to remove air pockets.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the best winter color, plant in a location that receives full sun. The red and purple tones are much more intense with sun exposure.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during establishment and in periods of extreme drought.
Prune out the tallest, oldest canes at the base to encourage new growth.
Consider newer sterile cultivars to avoid invasive spread and harm to birds.
Provide slightly acidic soil for best performance.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy, poorly drained soils.
Avoid shearing the plant, which destroys its natural graceful form.
Do not allow it to escape into natural areas, as it is invasive in the Southeast US.
Do not assume the berries are safe for wildlife; they are toxic to birds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low-maintenance foundation plantingInformal hedge or borderMass planting for year-round texture and color

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense 'Crimson Fire' Mahonia bealei Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Carex 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Compact Heavenly Bamboo questions

What zones can Compact Heavenly Bamboo grow in?

Compact Heavenly Bamboo is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Compact Heavenly Bamboo deer resistant?

Yes — Compact Heavenly Bamboo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Compact Heavenly Bamboo bloom?

Compact Heavenly Bamboo typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Compact Heavenly Bamboo need full sun?

Compact Heavenly Bamboo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Compact Heavenly Bamboo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Compact Heavenly Bamboo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.