Nandina domestica Plum Passion® 'Monum'

Plum Passion® 'Monum' is an upright evergreen shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). It is a tall cultivar with deep purplish-red new growth, turning deep green in summer and rich reddish-purple in fall and winter. 

Plum Passion heavenly bamboo prefers moist, well-drained soils. Water regularly for the first year and, once established, reduce frequency. Tolerates mild drought. The plant can be pruned, but keep in mind that next season's blossoms and fruits appear on new growth. It develops suckers and matures to produce a cluster of cane-like stems.

This cultivar offers narrow, upright foliage borne on upright stems. It has superb foliage color in the spring, autumn and winter. Fruits may not form, especially on solitary shrubs, as cross-pollination may be needed. While it may not have fruit under certain conditions, the leaves and berries may be toxic when consumed in quantity. The sterile cultivars of heavenly bamboo are much less problematic and are much less likely to escape.

All in all, Plum Passion is a spectacular and unique addition to the garden. It is excellent as a specimen or hedge plant in Asian or winter gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious diseases or insect pests. Foliage may develop chlorosis in alkaline soils. Like all fruiting cultivars of heavenly bamboo, care should be taken to prevent poisoning of birds and invasive spread of the shrub. 

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