HEAVENLY BAMBOO SEEDS, FOLIAGE

Not a bamboo at all, but a species of flowering, evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia. Grown as an ornamental shrub,

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo).If you are looking for a shrub that has lacy foliage; colorful fall foliage color, interesting flowers, autumn berries and is evergreen, take a good look at Nandina domestica. Commonly called 'Heavenly Bamboo' this plant has just about everything a homeowner could ask for, all in one plant.

Nandina can be used in virtually any part of the landscape. It is especially useful in full or part sun, where the foliage color is superb. However, it will even grow in a shady part of the garden. Of course, the leaf color is not nearly as vibrant and it does not flower as well.
LANDSCAPE USES: A versatile plant, it can be used by itself or in small group plantings for spot color. Groups of three to five plants are especially effective when combined with other evergreens that have different leaf textures. For example, the combination of heavenly bamboo with Viburnum davidi and low growing heather or Junipers or string Cypress is splendid for a sunny or semi-sunny spot.
Growing Info:
Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours.
Stratification: none required.
Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed.
WHEN TO PRUNE: In most plantings, the plant remains quite compact. There are several varieties, but if needed, the taller stems can be pruned to lower the height of the plants. Pruning can be done at any time throughout the year. The cut stems are very popular to use in flower arranging and will last for several days.

EASY TO GROW: Heavenly Bamboo is a relatively easy plant to grow in Pacific Northwest gardens. Its only requirement is that it be planted in well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by mixing generous amounts of organic-humus, like peat moss, compost or processed manure with your existing soil.

PLANTING OR TRANSPLANTING: Container grown plants can be planted at any time throughout the year. If there is a need to transplant an established plant, it is best done during the fall or winter months. When planting or transplanting be sure to set the root ball at the same level at which the plant was previously growing. A very light layer of bark mulch over the soil will help retain moisture and also help control weed growth.

FERTILIZING: Nandina will benefit from a yearly, light feeding of a Rhododendron or Evergreen type of fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in late February or early June. Be sure to water-in the fertilizer thoroughly after application, or it is apt to burn the roots and do more damage then good.