Grow Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Seika Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’, also called Obsessed Seika, is a compact shrub. A fantastic foundation plant for small gardens and pots. 

Nandina obsessed is fairly small compared to the other Nandina domestica cultivars. It grows to a height of 0.7m and spreads 0.5m from the base.

Here is the common heavenly bamboo (the 'Gulf Stream').

Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Colours

The new leaves appear fiery red and turn green in the warmer months and back to red in the cooler months. This is one of the best things about the nandina domestica shrubs. 

In summer, clusters of bright white flowers appear atop clusters of emerald green leaves and woody brown stems. 

The flowers form bright red berries in autumn that remain throughout the winter and spring. (Read how to prepare the seeds and propagate them into new plants).

The amazing changes in foliage colours are easy to know why this plant is very popular among gardeners.

Season	Foliage	Flower	Berry
Spring	Fiery Red		Red
Summer	Green	White
Autumn	Fiery Red
Winter	Red		Red

How To Grow Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’?

Nandina Obsessed shrub is perfect for small gardens and pots. It’s adorable when mass planted in the garden or as an individual plant in pots. It likes well-drained moist soil. 

The Nandina Obsessed also prefers a tight-spaced area where there is plenty of light. 

They can tolerate part shade but avoid planting in full shade. For the best result, grow in a location where it receives 3 – 5 hours of sunlight daily. 

New nandina heavenly bamboo plants often come root bound in pots. Take care of the roots when transplanting. Any root damage can affect the new plant. 

After planting, water generously until the roots are well established.

Uses Of Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’

Like other Nandina domestica shrubs, this plant comes alive when deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in autumn. It’s a perfect shrub for small autumn and winter gardens. 

You can grow nandina shrubs at any time of the year, but the bests time is in spring when the growth is prominent. 

For best effects, grow them in clusters with the taller plants in the background and Nandina Obsessed in the front.

Key features of Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’.

Fire engine red berries in spring.

• Versatile plants grow in full sun to part shade.
• Evergreen shrub, grow for 15 to 20 years.
• Seasonal changes in foliage colour.
• Adapts to small and narrow spaces.
• Is drought resistant and hardy.

Botanical name	Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’
Common name/s	Nandina Obsessed, Heavenly Bamboo Obsessed,     Obsessed Seika
Family	Berberidaceae
Plant type	Evergreen shrub
Uses	Small gardens, pots, landscaping & design
Soil	Well-drained moist soil, loam
Exposure	Part shade to sun
Height & Width	70 cm tall, 60 cm spread
Propagate by	Root & stem cuttings, seeds
More information	5 types of Nandina domestica

Are Heavenly Bamboo Plants Invasive?

Some species of Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo plants) are fairly invasive. 

Nandina Obsessed tends to throw its roots away from the parent plants. 

Though it is not intrusive like the real running bamboo plants, it will spread. You can take the root cuttings and propagate new plants that way.

Prune Nandina Domestica

New shoots grow after pruning in spring. (Garden Bamboo Plants)

Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ is a low-maintenance shrub. 

It’s slow-growing and rarely needs pruning. However, light trimming especially in spring may be required to promote new growth. 

Also, pruning may be required to keep it in shape. Remove any old plant that looks tired. 

We give an in-depth insight into how to propagate, grow and care for Nandina Heavenly Bamboo shrubs in the linked article. Find out what you need to know about these stunning plants.

Why Is Nandina Domestica Called Heavenly Bamboo?

The reason why it’s called heavenly bamboo is unclear. However, the leaves resemble bamboo leaves. 

Also, the upright habit, fountain foliage and clumped base look like those of the clumping bamboo plants. This is why the Nandina domestica shrubs are sometimes called heavenly bamboo plants. 

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo is not real bamboo. It’s a small shrub.

Nandina Domestica ‘Obsessed’ Seika Heavenly Bamboo

All in all, Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ is a compact shrub with stunning foliage and fiery red berries. Perfect for autumn and winter gardens, mass planting or landscaping. 

It is low maintenance, draught-resistant and hardy shrub.