The Nandina Is A Great Shrub For Sun Or Shade

The Nandina is a very durable shrub that does well in either full sun or shade. It is known for its low maintenance. This is a favorite evergreen plant to put in a confined area as well as along a foundation. The plant does well in US zones six through nine. This plant is a fast grower. The Gulf Stream variety is the only slow grower of the family. The two most popular varieties are the dwarf Harbour or Fire Power and the taller Domestica.

The Domestica shines in the fall and throughout the winter months with brilliant color red berries. It can grow up to eight feet tall and three to four feet wide. The Nandina does well in rich and slightly acid soil. The soil should be well drained. In late spring tiny white flowers appear and and the flowers turn into green berries. It is the autumn season that brings this shrub to the main focal point of a garden or foundation. The green berries turn into rich red tones and and stands out in any outdoor area.

An interesting characteristic of this plant specimen is the different colors in the leaves when placed in the sun compared to full shade. When the plant is in full shade and matured, the leaves take on a bluish tone. In full sun, the mature leaves become red in nature. This shrub compliments a variety of different evergreen plants. Indian Hawthorn, Cotoneaster, Barberry, and any form of Junipers or Arborvitaes gives the Nandina a great specimen to show off its beauty in the fall and winter.



There are also different areas of your landscape that this plant will fit well. In the garden project section there are many styles of gardens that the Nandina would fit in. A great feature of this shrub is the option of very little pruning. I have had some clients wanting a fall pruning and others that like the plant to keep its natural look. You can prune the dead leaves and branches off in the spring after the birds enjoy the berries. A mature Domestica over the years may get leggy and this is when you should do some trimming. One of the favorite varieties here in South Carolina is the Fire Power.

The Fire Power or Harbour is a great wintertime dwarf shrub. The leaves in the fall begin their transition from green to a deep red. The red color remains throughout the winter months. This shrub looks fantastic as a hedge along the front of a house as well as placed in between other evergreens. The Fire Power will mature two to three feet tall and two to three feet wide. This plant is especially wonderful for small confined areas. I like putting the Fire Power next to taller evergreen shrubs as well as some solid Liriope bordering a landscape area.







The Nandina is a vibrant evergreen shrub that will work well in any type of landscape setting. The southern United States takes pride in planting this plant specimen.