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.