Common Name: Nandina
Scientific Name: Nandina domestica
Order: Ranuncula
Family: Berberidaceae
Description Nandina is a perennial, evergreen shrub that does not lose its leaves in fall/winter. In the winter, the coloration can become intense red or re-green in different variations; usually induced by colder temperatures. Nandina has alternate leaves that clasp at the base (2-3-pinnately divided) with white flowers in long terminal clusters and appear in May and June as pink buds. They produce bright red berries and are a strong, upright caned shrub where some species can sucker outward.
Growth Habit Nandina can grow from 6 to 8 feet and sometimes have to be pruned in the wintertime because it induces basal shoot development. They have leaves that are bi- to tri-pinnately compound (lance- shaped leaflets) and 12-24 inches long. Nandina tend to have a lace-like appearance and have multiple non-branching stems.
Hardiness Zone(s) Nandina can grow in the USDA zones of 6 through 9, but naturally occurs in the mid-south. Nandina can withstand heat from -10 to 110 °F and can sometimes be found in zones 10 (west coast) and 11. It can be found in damp sites (moist, well-drained soil) and deep shaded areas, but can also tolerate full sun. Nandina is drought resistant and may develop suckers.
Culture Nandina prefers nutrient-rich soils that are moist. It is one of the toughest, most adaptable plants to an array of conditions. It usually has no pests or diseases unless stressed and it can sometimes succumb to leaf spot fungi. The pH is 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic) and 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic). They tend to live to over 100 years and are sun to shade type plants. Nandina need moisture that is average and it can tolerate dry spells once established.
Diseases & Insects There are no diseases or insects that are known to infect the Nandina.
Landscape Value Nandina can be used against light colored buildings and is good to group them in three or more to a corner. It can also be mixed with other shrubs and can become a hedge if cut back. The dwarf cultivars are used as a low maintenance ground cover for traffic medians or similar landscapes. It tends to be an invasive plant that may need to be managed or can become weedy if left unattended.
References Byrd, J. D. and R. Westbrooks. Nandina Domestica: Sacred Bamboo. Mississippi State University Invasive Plant Atlas of the MidSouth. Online.
This document was authored by Sarah Noonan, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, April 2015.