Heavenly bamboo

Despite its common name nandina is not a bamboo, but a relative of berberis. It forms a tall shrub, up to 1.8m (6ft) high, with bright green leaves that turn reddish-purple in autumn and winter. The brilliant leaf colour often remains all winter. Plants also produce clusters of small white flowers that are followed by attractive bunches of red berries after a good summer. Although it is a hardy plant, grow it in a sheltered spot as the growth can be damaged by hard frosts of cold winds.