Nandina Domestica Richmond

Nandina domestica Richmond or Heavenly Bamboo is an elegant garden accent plant which will provide you with year-round beauty. Native to the Himalayan valleys of India and China, this evergreen shrub adds a delicate beauty to your garden. While Nandina domestica Richmond is not an actual bamboo, its common name Heavenly Bamboo is given because of its bamboo-like stems. 

The feathery, delicate leaves of Nandina domestica Richmond are purplish when they first appear in the spring, and then turn fully green through the summer before regaining their purplish hue in the winter. Cone-shaped heads of small white flowers in summer are followed by highly decorative bright red berries in the autumn, which last into the winter. It may lose its leaves in cold winters.

Hardy to H4 (about minus 10), Heavenly Bamboo will grow in most areas of the UK. This variety Heavenly Bamboo Richmond grows to a height and spread of 1.5 to 2 metres over a period of 10 years. Very little pruning is required, but branches can be harvested for use in floral decorations. 

Unlike other nandina domestica cultivars, Richmond is self-fertile, so you only need to plant one to get the bright red berries that add so much to the winter appearance of this evergreen. This makes it particularly suitable for small gardens where you only have room for one accent plant. 

While Heavenly Bamboo grows best in a sunny location, it will also tolerate some shade. It should be grown in a sheltered location, preferably east or west-facing. It will grow in sand, clay, chalk or loam soil, and tolerate alkaline soils, although it will do best with acid or neutral ph. While it thrives in moist, well-drained soils, it can withstand dry periods. 

This lovely shrub should be given a place of pride in your garden. Nandina domestica Richmond is suitable for a variety of different garden designs, from formal city courtyards to cottage gardens. It is also well-suited to container growing, giving you some versatility in placement. And, of course, it is perfect for an oriental-themed garden!

Let Nandina domestica Richmond bring a little piece of heaven to your garden. Its delicate, oriental beauty and year-round interest make it a valuable addition to any garden, large or small! See also Nandina Domestica and Nandina Domestica Firepower.