Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' (Heavenly Bamboo) – Evergreen Shrub (3L Pot)

A compact evergreen with fine, bamboo like leaves that change colour through the year.

'Gulf Stream' is one of the neatest heavenly bamboos. New leaves open coppery red in spring, settle to a blue green through summer, then turn vivid orange and red through autumn and winter. It builds a dense, upright, bushy plant of about 80 to 100cm tall and 60 to 80cm across, which suits a mixed border, a low informal hedge, planting against a house wall or a container on a patio or terrace.

It is hardy in most of Britain, though cold drying wind can brown the leaf edges and the winter colour is much better in a sunny spot, so choose somewhere reasonably sheltered with good light. Small panicles of white flowers may appear in summer. Compact forms such as this one rarely set berries. It needs almost no pruning, just a light trim in spring if it needs shaping, and a mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Nandina berries contain cyanogenic compounds and are poisonous to cats, dogs, birds and grazing animals.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Heavenly bamboo
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 80 to 100cm tall by 60 to 80cm wide
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, bushy evergreen
• Perfect For: Borders, containers, low hedging, planting against walls, courtyard gardens
• Foliage: Lance shaped leaves, coppery red in spring, blue green in summer, orange and red in autumn and winter
• Flowering Time: Summer, small white panicles; compact forms such as this rarely berry
• Planting Position: Full sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold drying wind, and happy in a container
• Soil Type: Moist but well drained; it takes most soils
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Low. Trim lightly in spring only if needed
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Type: Evergreen shrub