Nandina domestica: a decorative shrub, colorful!

Nandina domestica is not a bamboo as its common name "Sacred Bamboo" might suggest! However, its long stems full of finesse and lightness remind it. Isolated, in massif, hedge and even pot, this very decorative shrub interferes everywhere and requires little maintenance.

Where to plant Nandina domestica?

Nandina domestica prefers a sunny and non-hot situation, but can also tolerate partially shaded areas. Keep it, however, away from the wind that brings cold and dryness.

Regarding the substrate, sacred bamboo thrives in non-calcareous, well-drained and fertile soil. Avoid too wet soils that lead to root rot at all costs.

Sacred bamboo adapts very well in gardens on the Mediterranean or oceanic coast. Nevertheless, it acclimatizes everywhere and even in the mountains or much further north (with some precautions in winter). This hardy shrub is not even afraid of heavy urban pollution!

When to plant sacred bamboo?

Nandina domestica can be planted in pots throughout the year. For open ground, avoid periods of frost. Spring will be favorable if you live in a cold region, rather in the fall in the mildest climates.

How to plant Nandina domestica?

Planting sacred bamboo does not present any difficulty:

• Prepare a hole (or pot) that is more than twice the original container wide.
• Add compost and a little gravel to the bottom of the hole to improve soil fertility and drainage.
• Soak the root ball to moisturize it and untangle the roots.
• Place the plant straight in the hole and fill with a mixture of soil and good potting soil.
• Squeeze lightly to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the plant abundantly to promote rooting.
• Add a layer of organic mulch to the base of the plant to help maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

Planting sacred bamboo does not present any difficulty. Copyright (c) 2022 tamu1500/Shutterstock. No use without permission.

What maintenance for sacred bamboo?

For the first two years after planting, be sure to keep the soil slightly moist without excess water.

Thereafter, the interview is brief. You will only need to bring a little water in case of hot weather because it fears the great drought.

Nandina grown in pots cannot draw water deep into the soil, so you will need to water it regularly in summer.

Fertilization: It is not essential, nevertheless sacred bamboo will always appreciate a little balanced fertilizerin early spring. It will draw nutrients useful for vigorous growth.

Does sacred bamboo fear frost?

Nandina domestica is rather hardy since it resists up to -15 ° C, although it must be well sheltered from the cold wind.

A thick mulch will suffice for its winter protection: compost, dead leaves or crushed bark, the goal being to isolate the roots. A wintering veil can complete if the winter is really harsh.

Should sacred bamboo be carved?

The only purpose of pruning the Nandina domestica is to take care of its appearance and work its shape, this shrub does not really need it otherwise.

Let the flowering, fruiting and frost period pass. It is therefore at the end of winter or early spring (depending on the region) that you will proceed to the pruning of sacred bamboo.

Remove dead wood and cut down damaged or misplaced stems to promote a harmonious and dense shape of the shrub. If your sacred bamboo has suffered from frost, prune even more widely so that young shoots strengthen the base.

What diseases or undesirables can harm Nandina?

Sacred bamboo is a hardy red-leaved shrub, however mealybugs can attack it. Nothing too serious, you will eliminate them very easily by spraying a little white oil (rapeseed) on the areas concerned. Once the insects are suffocated, they will fall off, and you will only have to make a brief rinse.

Parasites can cause virus disease. This virus will adversely affect the appearance of the shrub by deforming the leaves, they will be smaller and stunted. Cut the affected branches (do not compost them!) and spray with soapy water to remove any traces of virus.

How to multiply sacred bamboo?

As seedlings are complex, we advise you to multiply your Nandina Domestica by taking suckers or cuttings at the end of summer.

Sacred bamboo is a hardy red-leaved shrub.

Separating and recovering suckers

You will find after a few years that sacred bamboo easily produces what are called "suckers". These are new shoots that appear a little further on the root network, unlike the "suckers" that remain stuck to the mother plant.

• In spring, gently dig all around the sucker.
• Water to expose the root network.
• Use a clean sharp tool to separate this new growth from the mother plant, keeping as many roots as possible.
• Immediately replant in a pot.
• Water abundantly and regularly.
• The following fall, you will transplant in the ground

Cutting a Nandina Domestica

It is in summer that you will take semi-woody stems (the base already hard but not the upper part) for cuttings.

• Cut sections of about 10 cm on the lower branches.
• Strip leaves, keeping only a pair of leaves at the top.
• Plant in pots in a mixture of sand and wet potting soil.
• Store stewed in a cool, bright place.

Nandina Domestica will need to be stored in pots for at least two years before it has sufficient vigor for open ground.