Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)
Nandina domestica

Hardy to Zone 6
Foliage - 1" to 2" glossy leaves in a lacy pattern
Size - Depends on variety, anywhere from 1' to 8' ft.
Fruit/Flower - Red berries in winter
Exposure - Sun to partial shade

When I moved into my house ten years ago, there were only a few fruit trees and scattered shrubs on the property and all of them looked pretty pathetic except for a pair of stalwart nandinas on the north side of the house. I didn't pay much attention to them until December when they produced the most lovely berries that we would cut and use in Christmas decorations. It was several years before I finally gave them the pruning they needed, but frankly, they didn't require much attention.

This is a tough shrub and performs well in various light situations, even in limited light, such as mine is. However, the red color of the new leaves is much stronger in full sun. To promote denser growth, nandinas can be pruned in early spring by cutting out the largest and oldest stems at ground level. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the shrub. There are no serious pest or disease problems that I am aware of.

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