Nandina domestica..... how fast?

I have just realised the fantastic all round worth of this plant and hope someone out there has experience with Heavenly Bamboo.
I'd like to know how fast growing it is and whether it will be happy in strong sun or if it needs a bit of shade?

Very grateful for any thoughts.......

Philomel

This is a plant that prefers acid to neutral soil, but it will also do well in rich, moist conditions in summer. Don't let it become waterlogged in winter. Some sun will produce the best colouring, but partial shade will not matter, provided you choose a sheltered corner. The smaller versions such as 'Fire Power' or 'Gulf Stream' do well in pots. 'Richmond' seems to be the most reliable for berries.
Nandina domestica can grow to more than 2m (6.5ft) in the right conditions, and in the southern states of the US it has a reputation for being invasive.
Its berries are mildly toxic to pets, but birds love them. Berries will germinate extremely slowly, so propagation from cuttings is more reliable. Take them in summer from semi-ripe wood and keep them in a heated propagator until they root. Overwinter under glass or give plants some protection for the first two years. If it is happy, Nandina domestica will produce runners that can be dug up and replanted.

Hope that helps

Mark

Thanks very much Mark. Very helpful. I can provide the leaning towards acid conditions, but not the moist soil, so I don't think the place I was hoping to move it to is appropriate as it would be in full sun and it can get very hot and dry here - though, am thinking there is a tap nearby....
Hmm, our tap water is the alkaline side of neutral I think.

I am planning to replace dwarf palms planted in metre square beds either side of the swimming pool, so am looking for something architectural but non spiny! The palms suffered very badly last winter, but also are spiny and have got bramble threading through them. I'd like to dig the whole lot out and start again....

Was thinking one of the ornamental grasses perhaps - that might do better with the dry conditions, but am a little worried about getting bits of fluff in the pool LOL

Why dont you grow a Bamboo............. I have a black bamboo and they just clump and are not invasive.......... as for architectural, they are cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark

Yes, that's a good thought. I've always been a bit anti because of the invasive ones - but chosen carefully that would work well. The beds are backed by buildings and hard surfaces anyway - ah by decking as well, so the invasive ones would not be a good idea. I'll go and research clumping ones. I'd like ones with striking coloured/patterned canes. What is the name of your black one please?

I think its called Phylostachys nigra............ you will find it if you google it.
Also you caould try Zebra grass...... they are gorgeous and again not invasive!!

Mark

Thanks. The other thing I'd been wondering about is Cana lilies

If you have plenty of water for them, they will be ok i guess!!! Not my fav plant............. to much messing around for the winter time.....

They stay in the ground here :) Even though it went down to -15C last winter they all popped back up. I agree the water might be a problem...

Really........... I didn't think they would survive that low temperature.
How tall do they get????

Mark

Depending on type they get over 2 metres.
I suppose we have a lot more sun, and stronger, here than in the UK. A number of things survive because the sun ripens the wood, but that wont apply to Cannas LOL. They perhaps need their feet roasted.

I think i will stick with my crocosmia...........................LOL
Zeal Giant may make a nice piece of architecture for you.............. it gets to around 5 - 6 feet high. and sooooooooooooooooo beautiful!!!!!

I'll have a look at that. Sounds great.
Does it like heat and drought in the summertime? (and low temperatures in the winter)

so long as it gets some water it will be happy................... if canna survive then it will yes!!

What a beauty!

Yep, its very pretty and very big!!

How long is its flowering period?

Couple months or so..........

Thanks, definitely worth investigating :)