Nandina

Brief Description

The Nandina is great because it is colorful and easy to maintain. They resemble bamboo because of their upright stalks. They have small flowers in summer and ornamental fruit (they look like small berries) in Fall. The Gulf Stream variety has scarlet red new growth and the Domestica has purple new growth, both with leaves turning blue-green as they mature. These are best characterized as strong, sturdy, and easy to maintain. 

Origin

Japan, China, India 

Description 

Common Name – Nandina

Botanical Name – Nandina Domestica 

Plant Type – Evergreen 

Mature Size – 3 to 8 feet tall, 2 to 5 feet wide 

Sun Exposure –  Partial or Full Sun 

Bloom Time – Summer

Flower Color –  White 

Hardiness Zone – 6 to 10 

Planting

Because its a unique shrub, it deserves a spot where people are going to see it. It will grow 2 to 5 feet wide, so it doesn’t need much space. Additionally, it’s simple to prune if you need to keep it on the smaller side. Keep it well-watered during infancy. 

Care

Nandina requires very little pruning. When winter comes around, do whatever pruning is necessary. Do not cut out more than ⅓ during the process. Besides that, as it grows in age, it will want to grow out from the base, thus making it wider. You can let those branches grow or cut them down, depending on your preference and landscape situation. Do no overwater them; if anything, reduce the water, as these are generally drought tolerant. 

Flowers 

In Summer they will have small, white flowers. In the fall, it has small, red fruit that grows.  

Varieties 

The ‘Sienna Sunrise’ has bright red new foliage, and when contrasted with the green foliage, is beautiful. The ‘Plum Passion’ has deep, purple-red new growth and purple is a great color in your landscape. 

Invasive

The Nandina is invasive in some states in the United States. 

For other shrubs that are perfectly suited for Greater Prescott, read about the Smoke Tree Bush here.

Lastly, we highly recommend Watter’s Garden Center, Mortimer Nursery, or Prescott Valley Nursery as great places to both purchase shrubs & trees but to also ask questions because these are the experts.