Heavenly bamboo

Despite its common name and appearances, nandina is not a bamboo, but a relative of berberis. The basic species is a tall shrub, up to 1.8m (6ft) high, with reddish-purple leaves in autumn and winter. Also known as 'Nana', 'Pygmaea' is perhaps the most popular variety for smaller gardens, more compact and slower growing, with good spring and autumn colouring. The brilliant leaf tints often remain all winter, together with the berries after a good summer, unless very hard frost causes some leaf loss.