The heavenly bamboo, also called holy bamboo, is one of the conditionally hardy garden plants. However, it is not a bamboo in the botanical sense but a barberry plant. The shrub probably bears its name because it was often planted in Japanese temple gardens.
Heavenly bamboo is only partially hardy
The easy-care heavenly bamboo can withstand temperatures down to around -10 °C, at least for a short time. However, some varieties also tolerate temperatures down to -15 °C. Therefore, you should only overwinter your sacred bamboo outdoors in a mild area. Make sure the shrub is sheltered from icy winds.
Where do I plant my heavenly bamboo?
The poisonous heavenly bamboo grows up to two meters in the garden. It is also very suitable for container planting. Here it does not reach the same size, it remains significantly smaller. However, this does not change its decorative quality. However, you should already think about winter when planting.
Digging up the heavenly bamboo each fall and replanting it in the spring is quite complicated, as might be necessary in a harsh area. In this case, planting in a transportable container might make more sense. It is best to overwinter it in a cold house.
How do I care for the heavenly bamboo in winter?
Even in winter, the sacred bamboo needs water regularly, although not as much as in the warm summer months. During this time, however, it does not depend on the usual portion of fertilizer. Wait until spring to do that. If your heavenly bamboo is also outside in winter, then give it winter protection.
A thick layer of leaves or twigs protects the root ball, and a special fleece protects the rest of the plant. However, you will then lose an eye-catcher in your garden. Because the decoratively colored foliage and the bright red berries also adorn the shrub in winter. So only wrap the heavenly bamboo with this fleece in case of severe and/or long-lasting frost.
The essentials in brief:
- Conditionally hardy to about - 10 °C, maximum - 15 °C
- only hibernate outside in sheltered locations
- possibly provide winter protection
- Leaves or brushwood protect the root ball
- special fleece as protection for trunk and leaves
- ideal winter quarters: cold house
tips
Ideally, you overwinter your heavenly bamboo in a cold house.