Species

Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

10 other cultivars

shrub

Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Moon Bay'

$34.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is an upright, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia that belongs to the barberry family rather than the grass family. It features finely divided, bi- to tri-pinnately compound leaves and produces loose terminal panicles of small white flowers with prominent yellow anthers in late spring to early summer.

'Moon Bay' is a compact, dense, and globular selection that reaches two to three feet in height and width, originating as a chance seedling in Houston, Texas. It is distinguished by its fine-textured branching, bright lime-green to bronze-red spring foliage, and a lower-fruiting habit compared to the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with compact, dense foliage that transitions from lime-green to deep red in full sun.

Highly adaptable to various soil types and possesses excellent drought tolerance once established.

Offers shelter and perching sites for birds, though its lower-fruiting habit reduces the risk of spreading seeds into natural areas.

SpeciesNandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets, livestock, and birds

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$34.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil, ensuring the location does not collect standing water.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release general-purpose fertilizer once annually in early spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

Prune only to remove dead wood or lightly shape in late winter; shearing heavily into old, leafless stems prevents reliable regeneration of new foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize the intensity of the red foliage coloration.
Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Clear fallen debris from around the base of the plant to minimize fungal leaf spot.

Don't

Do not plant in soggy, waterlogged, or poorly drained soils.
Do not shear heavily into old, bare wood when pruning.
Do not allow pets or livestock to ingest the toxic berries or foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingHedgeMass PlantingContainer FriendlyBorder Edging

Companion Plants

Abelia grandiflora Loropetalum chinense Leucothoe fontanesiana

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?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Heavenly Bamboo, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Heavenly Bamboo bloom?

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 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.