Species

Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

10 other cultivars

shrub

Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Fire Power'

$26.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia, characterized by its cane-like growth and finely textured compound foliage. The species typically produces terminal panicles of small white flowers in summer followed by bright red winter berries, though it has escaped cultivation to become invasive in parts of North America.

'Fire Power' is a sterile, non-fruiting dwarf cultivar that grows into a compact, mounded form reaching only 12 to 24 inches in height and width. Its compound leaves emerge lime green in spring, mature to medium green in summer, and transform into a brilliant, fiery red or orange-red during fall and winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color transitions, culminating in brilliant red and orange winter foliage that stands out in cold-season landscapes.

Functions as a low-maintenance, compact barrier or border plant that requires no regular shearing and resists deer and rabbit browsing.

Offers minimal wildlife utility due to its sterile, non-fruiting nature, but carries a much lower risk of escaping into native habitats than the parent species.

SpeciesNandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$26.95

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$32.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade, prioritizing maximum sun exposure for the best winter color.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve fertility and structure, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Backfill the hole, water thoroughly to settle the soil, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture without burying the crown.

Pro Tip

Grow in full sun to maximize winter foliage color; plants in shade remain a muddy green-yellow. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which force soft green growth and ruin the tight, dwarf architectural habit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged roots.
Provide maximum direct winter sun to develop the brightest red foliage tones.
Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which ruins the compact dwarf habit.
Do not shear the plant into formal, tight shapes.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood where regrowth is poor.

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 plantingsMass plantingsBorder edgingContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Ilex vomitoria Callicarpa americana 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 6–9. 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 summer through 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.