East Asian evergreen shrub with finely divided compound leaves resembling bamboo foliage (despite no botanical relation), white flower panicles in summer, and abundant bright red berries through autumn and winter.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 6–11 | −23.3 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H5 | −15 °C to −10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 7–9 | −12 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–7 | −10 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to eastern Asia — China, Japan, India
- WARNING: Berries contain cyanogenic compounds — fatally toxic to cedar waxwings and other birds that gorge on the persistent winter fruit; listed INVASIVE in the southeastern US (Florida, Georgia, Texas) and parts of Australia and New Zealand, do not plant in those regions; sterile cultivars (‘Firepower’, ‘Gulf Stream’) that do not set fruit are safer alternatives
- Not a true bamboo despite the name — Nandina is in the Berberidaceae
- Foliage turns red in winter — secondary cold-season feature
Pet caution: Heavenly bamboo is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Heavenly bamboo against your zones