Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Nandina domestica 'Tuscan Flame'
Tuscan Flame Heavenly Bamboo
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Rarely blooms; primarily grown for foliage
- Foliage color
- Bright coral to russet-red with lacy textures
- Bloom time
- Not significant due to infrequent flowering
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; maintains a neat, rounded shape without pruning
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 6 to 9
- Wildlife
- While berries are rare on this variety, any berries that form should be removed as they are toxic to animals
About this plant
Nandina domestica 'Tuscan Flame' is a compact shrub renowned for its vibrant, year-round foliage color. Emerging scarlet-red, the finely divided leaves retain red tones throughout the growing season, transitioning to deeper red and burgundy hues in the fall and winter. This cultivar was discovered as a branch mutation in 2000 by Robert Tancredi, showcasing an elegant, lacy appearance that distinguishes it from the species.
In late spring to early summer, 'Tuscan Flame' produces small clusters of delicate white flowers on older growth. These blooms may be followed by red berries, although the fruit is often hidden among the dense foliage. This semi-evergreen shrub is a great choice for adding consistent color and texture to gardens.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Borders · Containers · Foundation Plantings
Companion plants
Pieris · Hakone grass · Bamboo · Viburnum · Snowdrop · Bergenia
Design tip
Use ‘Tuscan Flame’ in groups of three or more to create a stronger sweep of warm color rather than scattering individual plants throughout the landscape. Its naturally compact, rounded habit allows the grouping to maintain a cohesive appearance with little pruning.
