Nandina, also called Heavenly Bamboo (even though it’s not a real bamboo!), is an awesome plant that adds color to any garden year-round. It’s an evergreen shrub, meaning it stays green all year, with stunning red or purple leaves in fall and winter. Nandina also grows small white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries that stick around into winter.
This plant is low-maintenance, making it perfect for beginners or busy gardeners. It’s super versatile too—it can handle both sun and shade, and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Best of all, it doesn’t need much pruning or special care, but will look amazing with just a little attention.
Popular Nandina Varieties
- Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)
- Firepower Nandina
- Gulf Stream Nandina
Care
- Water: Nandina is pretty tough and doesn’t need a ton of water. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings, especially once it’s established. Overwatering can cause root issues, so it’s better to be a little cautious.
- Light: Nandina enjoys plenty of sunlight, though it can also thrive in partial shade. If you want the leaves to have their best color, try to give it around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is key for Nandina. Whether your soil is sandy, loamy, or even clay-based, it can handle it as long as water doesn’t sit too long. If you want to boost growth, mixing in some compost can help keep your Nandina happy.
- Temperature and Humidity: Nandina thrives in a variety of climates, from warm summers to mild winters. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 10°F (-12°C), but it prefers temps between 59°F and 100°F. If you live in a place with harsh winters, consider covering it or growing it in a container you can move indoors.
Planting & Growing
Nandina is super easy to grow and thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It’s best to plant it in spring or autumn in a sunny spot, but make sure it’s protected from cold winds. Before planting, dig a big enough hole and mix in compost and some grit for better drainage, since nandina doesn’t like soggy conditions.
Once it’s in the ground, give it a sheltered spot with some sun for its leaves to show off their best colors. Nandina doesn’t need a lot of pruning, but you can tidy it up in spring if needed.
Pruning
Nandinas don’t need a lot of pruning, but if they start looking messy or overgrown, it’s time for a trim. The best way to prune is by cutting back the tallest or oldest stems each winter to encourage fresh, new growth.
The ideal time for pruning is in mid to late winter, when the plant is dormant, or in early spring before it starts blooming. Winter pruning also gives you the bonus of using the trimmed branches for festive decorations!
If your nandina is getting too big or scraggly, pruning helps keep it looking its best. Want more detailed tips? Check out our full guide below!
Common Pests
Nandina doesn’t attract many pests, but you might still come across:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you maintain nandina?
Nandinas don’t need much water, but they do best with moist soil. A basic 2-inch layer of mulch is enough to keep them looking good.
Do nandinas like acidic soil?
Nandinas prefer slightly acidic soil. Mulching with bark after planting can help create the best growing conditions.
Do nandinas like sun or shade?
Nandinas can grow in both sun and shade, but they get brighter colors in full sun. However, some types can lose their lower leaves in shady spots.
Why is my nandina dying?
Overwatering is a common cause of problems, as nandinas prefer well-drained soil. Too much water can lead to root issues, causing the plant to weaken or die.
