You might think it would be expensive to create an authentic oriental theme.
Some of the commonly used plants like Black Bamboo and Red Japanese Maples are very expensive plants to purchase. You’ll be delighted to know that there is an affordably priced and easy to grow evergreen shrub that works just as well.
The Nandina domestica or Heavenly Bamboo is really authentic to Asia.
This super drought tolerant plant was actually imported to the US direct from the Orient for its exotic beauty over 100 years ago. The reason it is called Heavenly Bamboo is because the Chinese grow it around their temples. It is common to find these Nandina shrubs beside the front doors of their homes. It was thought the shrubs were there to protect the homeowner from bad luck. Actually they are just there for beauty.
Heavenly Bamboo does well in sun or shade so you can grow it anywhere.
In the Orient, these landscape shrubs are specially clipped to mimic regular bamboo. This is easily done to give an authentic Oriental theme in your landscape too. Just keep all the lower leaves of your Nandina bushes clipped off and leave only the top fringe of foliage on each cane. There you have it a fast growing, authentic theme plant discussed as a common shrub.
