Nandina

Nandina domestica

Sometimes called "Heavenly Bamboo," nandina isn't a bamboo at all but a handsome, fine-textured shrub that turns bright red in winter.

This is one of the few garden shrubs in South Florida that feature a distinctive winter color change.

When weather is cold, the leaves turn red if the plant is grown in sun, mixing the red with green foliage for a very striking look.

And new growth in any light is tinged with a rosy color.

The lacy look of bamboo - with small delicate leaves, an airy, upright form and cane-like stems - have earned this plant its common names of heavenly bamboo and sacred bamboo.

Planting one by the front entrance is supposed to bring good luck. In Japan it's known as the Friendly Plant and is often placed by a door to welcome visitors.

It will bloom with pinkish-white blossoms in spring, and after flowering produces bright red berry clusters.

Of all the berry bushes in South Florida, nandina berries are some of the showiest and if you plant this shrub in groups they'll fruit more heavily.

This is a plant that works anywhere.

It can add a softening touch to formal, more manicured landscaping or a fine texture to a tropical garden or casual eclectic style.

It's especially effective in Oriental-garden style landscaping - a great way to landscape a very modern home.

And the fact that it's low-maintenance and takes sun or shade makes this shrub even more versatile.  Additionally, it's considered deer-resistant (though we make no promises).

There are dwarf nandina varieties if you'd prefer a smaller plant. 'Compacta' can be kept about 3 feet and 'Firepower' around 2 feet tall.

Plant specs

This evergreen shrub can be kept 4 to 6 feet tall, though you can let it grow to 10 feet if you prefer.

It's cold hardy and does well anywhere in South Florida.

It grows at a slow to moderate pace in full sun to full shade. More sun will speed up the growth rate a bit and encourages more flowers and stronger winter foliage color.

Plant care

Add top soil or organic peat moss to the hole when you plant.

You can also add in composted cow manure to enrich the soil around the plant's rootball.

Nandina is not a shrub that should be sheared and shaped with hedge trimmers.

And since these shrubs aren't fast growers, trimming is unnecessary until the shrubs are established.

Once the shrub has begun to mature, prune in spring, cutting back shoots at varying levels to encourage the plant to fill out more fully. If you don't do this, the plant can become leggy and less attractive. (See instructions below)

Water on a regular basis but make sure the area drains well.

Fertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer and autumn - with a quality granular fertilizer.

Plant spacing

Plant 3 feet apart. Come away from the house about 3 feet.

If planting along a walk or drive, come in 3 or 4 feet.

This plant works very well as a container plant.

---

Landscape uses for nandina

• hedge
• single yard specimen
• backdrop for smaller plants
• anchor or accent for a garden bed
• corner-of-the-house shrub
  
• along a fence
• bordering a walkway or drive
• large foundation shrub (or use the dwarf variety to keep lower) 
• lining the edge of a deck, porch, or patio
• entryway accent
  
• surrounding tall palm trees
• along a blank wall
  

---

Other plants you might like:  Firebush, Beautyberry

---

1. Home
›
2. Medium Height Shrubs
›
3. Nandina