Bonkersbon's Blog

15 Apr, 2008

5 comments

In praise of Nandina Domestica - Heavenly Bamboo

Just in soaked again thought Id just share my favourite shrub as it just about ticks every box and should be more widely grown.
Although not a bamboo as common name implies its a remarkable plant. Generally evergreen – severe frost can damage -
new shoots to leaves are red then sprays of white flowers followed by red berries late summer. The leaves then tint red again in autumn. Not cheap to buy a good one but for the price of a rhododendron you get a plant that does something all year round.
Really cant think of another shrub that does so much can anyone else?

Comments

Grenville

15 Apr, 2008

It looks really great. Can you post up a photo later to show the foliage when it appears please? In the far east the plant is supposed to dispel bad dreams, so if you have a poor nights sleep try three circuits around the plant!
By the way apologies as I forgot to welcome you to Grows on you.
With best wishes and happy gardening.
Grenville.

Spritzhenry

15 Apr, 2008

Across the road in London where my daughter lives I have been admiring 1. Three Acacia dealbata 2. A row of pretty shrubs with red leaves that I have now identified as Nandina Domestica. So yes, I can see the attraction! I am about to consult my RHS book about the conditions required....

Bonkersbon

15 Apr, 2008

Thank you Grenville often look at your garden photos .Great design and beautifully photograhed. Easiest way to see photo is go to plants on this site under N.Thanks for extra info - even fonder of it now.
Hello Spritz it does well here free draining acidic soil as you can imagine so do camellias rhodos etc .Seen them 6' plus in tubs . Planted 2 beauties at Janes school recently so will get some pics soon.I love them they just seem the perfect shrub something always happening whatever the season.Rarely need pruning when they do its simply to cut off old flower stalks.

Spritzhenry

16 Apr, 2008

Not another acid-lover! That probably rules it out for me - I read the RHS book but I didn't think it mentioned acid soil - I shall re-check.....No, it just says 'full sun, moist but well-drained soil'. HA! I may be OK then. Next to Plantfinder...YESSS! There in front of my eyes it's listed at one of my local and often-frequented Nurseries! I shall ring them before I go charging up into the Quantocks - sometimes they list that they stock a plant, then when I get there, they haven't got one.

Bonkersbon

16 Apr, 2008

Hi Spritz sorry just describing my soil here.Said you seen it doing well in London so will probably be ok with you. Do give it a try it isnt rampant as not related to bamboo in fact it ends up growing on one major stem only the leaves are similar to bamboo shape. At present in green state waiting to flower.Oh I should mention the cultivar 'firepower' avoid this one very slow growing and doesnt produce the effects I described. Is there a B&Q near you often have it in their outstanding plant collection.

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