Nandina domestica 'Plum Passion'

Description: A new selection of the sacred bamboo ( not really a bamboo) with particularly rich coloured foliage. New growth in spring and summer is a deep purplish-red, turning slightly redder in the winter and so the foliage providing excellent all year round colour.

This evergreen to semi-evergreen plant grows to a small/medium shrub with upright habit..

Climate/Position: . Some sun will produce the best colouring, but sheltered partial shade is also acceptable.

Height/Spread: 1.5 x 1 metres

Soil Requirements: Prefers a rich soil which is acid to neutral. Moist conditions in summer ensure lush growth but soil should not remain wet in winter. Tolerant of drought once established.

Pruning: A low maintenance shrub. Can be pruned to control plant height if needed. The tallest canes should be cut to the ground or to different heights in early spring this will provide more foliage toward the ground and promote a denser plant.

Special Requirements:

Plant Breeders Rights apply

Trade name = 'Monum'

The species is found throughout the Far East where its heavenly properties supposedly give it the power to dispel bad dreams. In Japan Nandina is planted near doorways so that when you wake from a nightmare, you can step outside and tell the shrub your dream so that no harm will follow.

It was first introduced to America in the early 1800s. The canes of Nandina are used for toothpicks.