How to Plant Heavenly Bamboo

Overview

Heavenly bamboo (Nandian domestica) is an evergreen shrub not related to bamboo plants at all. It can become invasive if not pruned on a regular basis. Heavenly bamboo originated in China and Japan. This plant prefers a well drained, slightly acidic soil, and is drought tolerant (though it flourishes better with regular waterings). Its flowers bloom in the summer, foliage changes to bright red or orange in the fall, and small red berries appear in the winter. Dwarf hybrid varieties grow to 18 inches tall. Standard varieties grow 4-8 feet tall.

Step 1

Add compost to the garden bed and mix thoroughly. Cut 18-inch stems in early spring. Make the cuts close to the base of the main branches. Use young sprouts from the previous year's growth. Dip the ends in rooting hormone. Place 6 inches into the ground and cover with soil.

Step 2

Surround the base with pine mulch. Pine mulch is acidic and lowers the pH of the soil. Water new plants, thoroughly soaking the ground.

Step 3

Water heavenly bamboo once per week. Prune dead stems and branches each spring. Prune older larger stems near the ground to keep an even appearance and shape. Fertilize with standard fertilizer, in both the winter and spring.