Species

Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

10 other cultivars

shrub

Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Lemon and Lime'

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is an upright, cane-like evergreen shrub native to East Asia that features finely textured compound leaves and terminal panicles of white flowers. Though the wild species naturalizes readily and is invasive in parts of the southeastern United States, it remains valued in cultivation for its architectural form and winter resilience.

'Lemon and Lime' is a compact, sterile cultivar that grows three to four feet tall and wide without producing the invasive berries of the species. Its new foliage emerges a bright chartreuse-yellow before maturing to lime-green, maintaining a dense, mounded habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with its compact, mounded form and striking chartreuse-to-lime foliage.

Serves as a sterile, non-invasive alternative to the wild species, eliminating the risk of self-seeding in natural areas.

Offers dense protective cover and nesting shelter for small birds and beneficial insects.

SpeciesNandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade, ideally with morning sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with morning sun to maximize the chartreuse foliage color; deep shade results in dull green leaves, while intense afternoon sun in hot climates scorches the tips.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune selectively in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at a low rate in early spring if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged, or soggy soils which trigger root rot.
Do not shear the shrub into formal balls, as this ruins its natural mounded habit.
Do not cut stems back into old, leafless wood where new buds fail to emerge.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which diminish the bright chartreuse foliage color.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMass PlantingBorder EdgingContainer PlantingLow Hedge

Companion Plants

Liriope muscari Heuchera Hydrangea Loropetalum chinense

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Heavenly Bamboo questions

What zones can Heavenly Bamboo grow in?

Heavenly Bamboo is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Heavenly Bamboo deer resistant?

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

When does Heavenly Bamboo bloom?

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

Does Heavenly Bamboo need full sun?

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

Is Heavenly Bamboo drought tolerant?

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