Nandina domestica (Heavenly / Sacred Bamboo) seeds

Lovely, elegant, upright, semi-evergreen shrub which gains its name from its resemblance to bamboo with similar long, erect, unbranched stems. The leaflets are purplish-red when young, maturing to dark-green and then putting on a lovely autumn display when they turn orange, red or burgundy lasting well into winter. In June and July bears large, attractive panicles of small, star-shaped flowers followed by masses of bright red berries.

Hardy down to -5C, so in cold regions best grown in a container where it will be equally happy as in the border. A very forgiving plant which will tolerate a range of conditions, but is happiest in a sheltered position with at least half a day of sun as this keeps it more compact and intensifies the autumn/winter colour. Makes an unusual hedge in a sheltered, sunny position.

Hardy Shrub (to -5C)
Flowers: June and July
Height & Spread: up to 2m
Position: Sun or semi-shade in a sheltered position

Packet of 20 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year in a moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or trays at a depth of 3mm. Seal in a polythene bag and place in the fridge or other cold place between 2-5C for 12 weeks. Then move to a propagator or warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of 18-20C. Germination can be slow and erratic but should occur after 30-90 days. As the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents. Note: as germination can be erratic, sow very thinly and prick out the seedlings as they grow large enough, disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 9cm pots. Grow on in cooler conditions (about 13-15C) with plenty of light, but shaded from direct sun and over-winter in a frost-free greenhouse or coldframe. When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and grow on until mature enough to be planted out in the garden in a sheltered position in the sun or semi-shade. Hardy to –5C so protect in winter in cold areas – can be grown in a container.