Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo

Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Goldstream')

Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Goldstream') is an evergreen shrub grown for its bright, gold-toned foliage and fine, bamboo-like texture that adds light and contrast to the landscape year-round. New growth often emerges with especially vivid yellow to chartreuse color, then settles into a glowing golden green that reads clean and fresh in mixed plantings. The plant forms a tidy, upright to mounded habit that works well in foundation beds, borders, and mass plantings where you want dependable color without the fuss of seasonal flowers. With its luminous foliage and refined texture, Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo makes an excellent focal point, especially in areas where you need to brighten darker evergreens or shaded edges.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the golden foliage, which adds a steady pop of color and brings a sunlit look to planting beds even on overcast days. Leaves are narrow and finely divided, giving the shrub a soft, airy texture that pairs well with broadleaf evergreens and coarse-textured perennials. Goldstream is valued primarily for foliage color and overall form, offering a clean, consistent presence across seasons. In many landscapes it stays attractive with minimal pruning, and it can be used as a color anchor to tie together plantings that need contrast or brighter highlights.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; brightest gold color typically develops with more sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; adapts to a range of soils once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10.
• Habit: Upright to mounded evergreen shrub with fine-textured foliage.
• Mature Size: About 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a bright foliage specimen to draw the eye and lift the color of mixed shrub beds.
• Foundation Planting: Adds fine texture and steady color contrast against darker evergreens and stonework.
• Border Color Accent: Plant in groups to create repeating golden highlights along beds and walks.
• Mass Planting: Creates a glowing, low-maintenance drift with consistent foliage impact.
• Container Accent: Works well in pots where the foliage color can be enjoyed up close and used to brighten patios.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first growing season; after that, water during prolonged drought.
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the base of the stems.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; thin or shape lightly in late winter or early spring if desired.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if growth is slow or foliage looks pale.
• Placement: Give enough sun for the brightest gold color and avoid soggy soils.
• Cold Protection: In colder areas of its range, place in a sheltered spot to reduce winter burn.

Why Choose Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo?

• Golden Foliage: Bright yellow to chartreuse tones add steady color and contrast through the seasons.
• Fine Texture: Bamboo-like leaves soften plantings and pair well with broader evergreens.
• Versatile Habit: Works as a specimen, in groups, or in mass for repeatable landscape color.
• Low Maintenance Structure: Holds a clean form with minimal pruning and reliable year-round appeal.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers standout foliage color that brightens beds and borders.

If you want an evergreen shrub that brings bright golden foliage and fine texture with minimal upkeep, Goldstream Heavenly Bamboo adds focal point color and clean structure to sunny and partially shaded landscapes.