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Heavenly Bamboo Hedge

Heavenly or Hellish? Nandina domestica, aka sacred bamboo, though Asian, is not really bamboo. However, it has a reputation for growth and hardiness much like bamboo. Care must be taken with both canes, as to where they are planted to control their vigorous ways. In the southern U.S., from Texas to Florida, people share cautionary tales about this “evil,” rampant plant (see davesgarden.com). They say too many volunteers emerge, seeded by the droppings of berry-eating birds. All parts of the plant are poisonous (except to birds). With such a bad rap, why do people still plant heavenly bamboo?

Beautiful Specimens. Heavenly bamboos are very lovely to look at! They have slender leaves which vary in color through the year: from red to copper to bright green to blue green to pink and purple! They produce what look like conical, 10” seed sprays, i.e., panicles of white buds. These can be cut and used as lacy filler around potted white amaryllis or white roses, until the buds drop. After the sprays come plump red berries, which make pretty additions to floral displays around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hedge or Screen? The photo shows a delicate hedge of heavenly bamboo between a dense row of Italian cypress trees and a concrete driveway. This is a neighborhood scene that I enjoy on my daily morning walks. I have not seen any other heavenly bamboo in this family’s yard, only the hedge. My guess is that the plants are around 20 years old. They can be kept compact through pruning. My plant is sandwiched between my air conditioner, which resides to one side of my dining room French doors (ugh!) and the sidewalk. It screens off that unsightly machine very nicely, yet allows air to pass through. I have not seen birds feeding on its berries, which I remove before they fall to the ground. I hope it has not invaded neighboring yards! Ask your neighbors for berries to start your own plants, if you decide it’s the right plant for your needs.

Carnival Prize. When my daughter was just a little girl, she was so excited to have won a plant for me at the town festival, Conejo Valley Days. It was a heavenly bamboo! I had no idea where to plant it or how it behaved. Luckily, I planted it in a spot sheltered from the wind. I know it likes being planted by concrete. Not many plants do! It would be a good choice for patios and entryways. I prune mine to form a narrow leafy wall. It doesn’t require much water and survives the occasional cold snap (38º) we get in southern California. In freezing weather, cut it down and it will grow back in spring. My plant gets partial sun, though it can take full sun, too. If you win a plant, check the Internet or a garden book before planting it for least surprising and best results!

Street Landscaping. Landscaping an area in your yard? See what’s been planted in your neighborhood. Copy plant choices that look great. Down our main drag, a long hedge of heavenly bamboo was planted up against the block wall shielding an exclusive housing development from the busy road. Over the past 25 years, that hedge has put on an absolutely gorgeous display of color! It does not appear that a single plant has ever been lost. But, always keep kid and pet safety in mind first when making your selection.