Nandina
Nandina Domestica
By Wilhelm Zimmerling PAR - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148118906
Fire Power Nandina
By Wouterhagens - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2805695
Gulf Stream Nandina
By Photo by David J. Stang - source: David Stang. First published at ZipcodeZoo.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61026704
Nana Nandina
By cultivar413 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/131880272@N06/42525483212/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126163200
Scientific Name: Nandina domestica
Common Names: Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo (not a true bamboo)
Native to: China, Japan, and India
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 2–8 feet (varies by variety)
Width: 2–4 feet
Winter Look: Evergreen; foliage may take on red, bronze, or burgundy tones in colder weather
Seasonal Interest: Multi-season interest with feathery foliage, white flowers in late spring, and some sport clusters of red berries in fall and winter
Drought Tolerance: High once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy, limestone, or clay soils
pH Range: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6–10
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts: Birds (berries) and pollinators (flowers)
Toxicity: Berries are toxic to pets and birds if consumed in large quantities
Potential Issues: Minimal pests; may experience root rot in poorly drained soils
Notes: Versatile and low-maintenance, Nandina is ideal for hedges, borders, or containers.
Some varieties are invasive.
Popular Varieties of Nandina:
Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domestica - (3-8 feet tall) Most common variety, produces berries. Highly invasive
‘Firepower’ – Compact variety (2–3 feet tall) known for its brilliant red foliage in fall and winter. Non-invasive
‘Obsession’ – Upright growth (3–4 feet tall) with red new growth that matures to green, maintaining color year-round. Non-invasive
‘Gulf Stream’ – Midsize variety (3–4 feet tall and wide) with dense, colorful foliage that shifts from bronze-red to green throughout the seasons. Non-invasive
‘Blush Pink’ – Dwarf variety (1–2 feet tall) with soft pink new growth, perfect for small spaces or containers. Non-invasive
‘Harbor Dwarf’ – Low-growing (18–24 inches tall) with dense, green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in winter. Good shade tolerance. Non-invasive
‘Compacta’ – Larger variety (4–6 feet tall) with a rounded growth habit, ideal for hedges and privacy screens. Invasive
‘Moon Bay’ – Midsize (3–4 feet tall) with consistent red tones in winter and compact growth. Invasive
‘Lemon Lime’ – Bright lime-green foliage year-round, growing 3–4 feet tall and wide, offering a vibrant alternative to traditional Nandinas. Non-invasive