Nandina domestica Flirt = 'Murasaki' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Nandina domestica Flirt, commonly known as Flirt Heavenly Bamboo, is a striking evergreen shrub that is admired for its ornamental features. It has lacy and delicate, yet dense foliage which exhibits a beautiful color transformation over the seasons. During spring, the new leaves emerge with a vivid red tint, offering a striking contrast against the mature green leaves. As the seasons change, the foliage transitions through shades of green with some red-tinted tips persisting throughout the year. In addition to its colorful foliage, Flirt Heavenly Bamboo produces small, white flowers that cluster together in an airy, ethereal manner, creating a spray of blossoms that resemble tiny stars twinkling amongst the leaves. These blooms stand out gracefully against the backdrop of colorful foliage, adding to the plant's appeal. Following the flowering period, the plant may also develop bright red berries, which can provide a sharp visual interest and also attract various birds, adding life and movement to the garden space where the plant resides. The berries, although beautiful, should be noted for their toxicity if ingested by pets or humans. Overall, the Flirt Heavenly Bamboo is celebrated for its compact and spreading habit with foliage that provides a year-round interest, making it a versatile choice for adding texture, color, and structure to gardens or landscape designs. Its ability to maintain a full and bushy appearance without reaching overwhelming size makes it especially attractive for domestic gardens or smaller spaces where a graceful and elegant aesthetic is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo, Nandina.
Common names
Nandina domestica 'Murasaki'
ToxicityTo humans
Heavenly bamboo is the most common name for Nandina domestica, including the Flirt cultivar. All parts of heavenly bamboo, particularly the berries, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide when ingested. While poisoning in humans is rare, if ingested in large quantities, symptoms could include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and respiratory issues due to cyanide toxicity. In severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death could result from significant consumption.
To pets
Heavenly bamboo is the most common common name for Nandina domestica, including the Flirt cultivar. This plant is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The highest concentration of the toxic compounds, cyanogenic glycosides, is found in the berries. When ingested by pets, these compounds can decompose into hydrogen cyanide, potentially causing symptoms such as weakness, difficulty breathing, panting, seizures, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Even a small amount of berries can be harmful to pets and should be avoided.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Nandina domestica Flirt, commonly known as Flirt Nandina, requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Year-round Interest: Flirt Nandina offers attractive foliage throughout the year, with new red growth in spring and mature green leaves in summer.
- Winter Color: During colder months, the leaves often turn a deep red or purple, adding winter interest to the landscape.
- Compact Size: Its smaller size makes it suitable for use in limited spaces, borders, and containers.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant has a compact, spreading habit that fits well in a variety of landscape designs, from formal to naturalistic.
- Wildlife Attraction: It can attract birds with its berries, providing food and adding to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Good for Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds.
- Ornamental Berries: It produces attractive red berries that can add a burst of color and visual interest.
- No Serious Pest or Disease Issues: Flirt Nandina is not commonly plagued by serious pest or disease problems, ensuring a healthier garden with less intervention.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nandina domestica 'Flirt' can be used in miniature gardens or fairy gardens for a touch of red foliage that mimics larger landscapes in a charming, diminutive scale.
- The shrub's colorful leaves can be used in scrapbooking or pressed flower art, giving a vibrant and textured element to crafts.
- In container gardens, this plant offers attractive foliage all year-round, providing a consistent base for seasonal flowering plants.
- The dense growth habit of Nandina domestica 'Flirt' makes it suitable as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- Dried branches of this plant can be incorporated into wreaths or other dried floral arrangements, maintaining color and structure for extended periods.
- Nandina stems can also be used for natural dyeing processes, where its leaves and berries might yield subtle color variations on fabrics.
- The plant can be used as a photography prop to add a splash of color and texture to outdoor portrait backgrounds.
- In a mixed hedgerow, Nandina domestica 'Flirt' can contribute to the biodiversity, offering habitat and food sources for wildlife.
- The wood from pruned branches can be used in small woodworking or craft projects, such as making decorative buttons or beads.
- As an informal border along walkways, its dense foliage can highlight the path and add ornamental interest to the landscape design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHeavenly Bamboo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHeavenly Bamboo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change and Transformation: Nandina domestica Flirt, commonly known as Flirt Heavenly Bamboo, often symbolizes change and transformation due to its leaves that change color with the seasons.
- Prosperity and Good Fortune: In some cultures, particularly in East Asia, Heavenly Bamboo is associated with prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular plant in festive celebrations and as a gift during the New Year.
- Protection: With its tough, bamboo-like stems, Flirt Heavenly Bamboo is thought to symbolize protection and is sometimes planted near homes to guard against negative influences.
- Longevity: The plant's resemblance to bamboo, which is revered for its longevity, leads to an association with a long and healthy life.
WaterThe heavenly bamboo requires consistent watering, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant once a week, thoroughly soaking the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. It's best to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply but the soil does not become waterlogged. Reduce the frequency of watering once the plant is established, but make sure the plant does not suffer prolonged dryness, particularly in very hot weather.
LightHeavenly bamboo thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide ample morning sunlight with some dappled shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat. However, the plant is versatile and can still perform well in less than ideal light conditions, although the foliage may not be as vibrant.
TemperatureHeavenly bamboo can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but it grows best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune heavenly bamboo to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient, but the plant can tolerate more frequent trimming if shaping is desired. However, avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce the number of flowers and berries.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHeavenly Bamboo 'Flirt' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of loamy soil, peat moss, and perlite would provide suitable conditions for healthy growth.
RepottingRepot Heavenly Bamboo 'Flirt' every 3-4 years or when the roots outgrow the pot, typically observed through stunted growth or roots coming out of the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingHeavenly Bamboo 'Flirt' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions, without the need for specific adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in lightly shaded areas and shelter from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA.
Life cycleNandina domestica Flirt, commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, typically in Spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, progressing to juvenile plants that exhibit rapid growth and produce the characteristic compound leaves of the species. As the plant matures, it develops into a dense, bushy shrub, with new growth showing red to purple foliage that matures to a blue-green. Through the summer, it may produce small, white flowers that are followed by bright red berries if pollination occurs, often attracting birds. The plant continues its growth, experiencing periodic cycles of flowering and fruiting annually. Nandina domestica Flirt is an evergreen, with older stems and leaves eventually shedding to make way for new growth, continuing its life cycle for many years under appropriate care and conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Nandina domestica 'Flirt', commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Make sure each cutting has at least two to three sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as this is where root growth is most likely to occur. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes a few weeks.
