Nandina (heavenly bamboo) trial 2024–2026

Objectives and purpose of the trial

The purpose of this trial is to compare, record and display the merits of new and established Nandina (heavenly bamboo) cultivars. Nandina domestica is increasingly popular in gardens and containers, and a number of new cultivars are now available. At RHS Wisley, Surrey, the RHS Trials team will assess a range of Nandina cultivars and recommend plants that show all-round garden worthiness. Those that perform best will be awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Nandina domestica plants flourshing in pots in August 2024
Colourful red hues of Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ at RHS Wisley

Plants and location

What was planted?

A total of 18 different Nandina cultivar selections were planted for evaluation in the trial. These cultivars, carefully chosen for assessment, were contributed by breeders and growers from the UK. The RHS Plant Trials team are taking pictures of the plants as they mature, recording their growth and the start and finish of flowering.

Where is it planted?

The young plants were planted in the open ground across two trial beds in the Trials Garden at RHS Wisley. An additional plant of each variety was also planted in a terracotta pot as a further demonstration. Here are some considerations for planting out Nandina:

  • Nandina domestica is low-maintenance and easy to grow
  • Plant in a sunny, well drained spot, away from cold, drying winds
  • They do best in slightly acidic soil, so mulch with bark chippings after planting

  • Being slow-growing, they don’t need pruning, but can be lightly trimmed in spring to maintain their shape and form
  • Harmful if eaten, so make sure to wear gloves when handling
  • All parts of the plant are toxic to animals and the berries can be toxic to some birds

Nandina facts

Nandina domestica are small elegant evergreen shrubs that look good in every season. In spring and autumn, their delicate leaves have coloured tints. In summer, panicles of small white flowers may appear, followed typically by red berries through autumn and winter. A number of cultivars are available, with a variety of leaf colours.

Judges and criteria

Judges of the trial

The trial judges include 10 invited experts, with backgrounds in plant nurseries, garden management, and horticultural media, and members of RHS Woody Expert Group. The forum will gather at regular intervals to assess the plants several times throughout each assessment year.

As these woody plants take a while to establish before growing further, it was agreed that 2024 would be an establishment year with assessment starting in 2025. The judges reviewed the trial in both June and September 2024 to see how the plants were performing and to discuss and agree plant care.

The 2024–2026 Nandina judges include: Kevin Pratt (Chair and nurseryman), Charles Carr (Hilliers Nurseries), Emma Crawford (Horticultural editor), Paul Gallivan (National Trust), Michael Hickson (RHS Woody Expert Group member), Nigel Hutchinson (National Collection holder), Lewis Normand (Bernhard’s Nurseries), Alistair Robinson (RHS Curatorial), Rachel Vernon (Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery) and Rod White (RHS Woody Expert Group member).

Judging criteria

The following factors are all taken into consideration as part of the judging of the trial:

  • Plant habit
  • Foliage form and seasonal colour
  • Flower colour and quality

  • Fruiting colour
  • Hardiness
  • Pest and disease resistance 

One of the trial entries stands out with its lush bright green foliage
View of the Nandina domestica trial beds in November 2024

Cultivation

Planting process

The trial was planted out in the Trials Garden at the start of April 2024 using young Nandina plants supplied in 2L and 3L containers. For each entry, three plants were planted in a triangle formation, and some taller varieties were staked while they established. Mulch was applied to the beds to help minimise weeds and irrigation lines were set up early on to aid with watering throughout the trial. A further plant for each trial entry was planted in a container using peat-free compost with some slow-release fertiliser, topped with fine pine bark chips.

During the establishment year in 2024, the plants were watered regularly, especially during dry spells. During the summer months, entries were fed intermittently with a balanced liquid feed, and a slow-release balanced granular feed was applied in autumn.

How we’re managing plant health

All plants in the trial are regularly monitored for any issues. In late 2024, some Nandina plants developed curling leaves. The RHS Plant Health team investigated for potential viruses but found no conclusive evidence. Their assessment suggested that environmental factors were affecting the young plants, and they are expected to recover as they mature.

Nandina are evergreen plants with year-round interest and some spectacular autumn colours. They are durable and adaptable plants requiring little attention and minimal pruning. And with new cultivars available, we hope to compare forms and performance.

Kevin Pratt, Nandina Chair and nurseryman
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Plant portrait of Nandina domestica
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Nandina domestica plants held in the Propagation facility before being used in the trial
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Garden team planting out the trial beds and display pots in early April 2024
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Plant portrait of Nandina domestica
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Nandina domestica plants held in the Propagation facility before being used in the trial
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Garden team planting out the trial beds and display pots in early April 2024
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Did you know?

Although commonly known as sacred bamboo or heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica isn’t bamboo but a member of the Berberis family. It originates from China and Japan.

Suppliers to the trial

List of plants in the trial

View all the Nandina on trial at RHS Wisley
  • Nandina domestica
  • Nandina domestica ‘Aurea’
  • Nandina domestica BLUSH PINK (‘Aka’)
  • Nandina BRIGHTLIGHT (‘Selten004’)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’
  • Nandina domestica FLIRT (‘Murasaki’)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’
  • Nandina domestica MAGICAL LEMON AND LIME (‘Lemlim’)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Moon Bay’
  • Nandina domestica OBSESSED ‘Seika’
  • Nandina domestica RED LIGHT (‘Nrl2015’)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Richmond’
  • Nandina domestica SIENNA SUNRISE (‘Monfar’) also known as Magical Sunrise
  • Nandina domestica ‘Sunset’
  • Nandina domestica SUNSET BOULEVARD (‘Manon’)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Twilight’ (v)
  • Nandina domestica ‘Wood’s Dwarf’
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Get in touch

For more information on our RHS Plant Trials or to access older trial reports, please get in touch with our team via email at [email protected].

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