How to Grow Nandina

Nandina

Nandina domestica

shrub

Nandina is an ornamental evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub prized for its delicate, feathery foliage and brilliant red berries. Native to eastern Asia, it offers year-round interest with fine-textured leaves that turn vibrant red or bronze in fall and winter. The plant produces small white flowers in spring followed by persistent red berries that birds enjoy.

Looking for a specific variety?

Obsessed Firepower Plum Passion Gulf Stream Compacta Nana Purpurea

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Fall color intensity increases with more sun exposure.

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Water: Moderate water needs once established. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant once mature but performs better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (ornamental shrub; matures over 3-5 years)

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Planting depth: Plant with top of root ball level with soil surface; do not plant deeper

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Organic compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 6-10; hardy to zone 6 with winter protection in colder regions

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young plants with delicate bamboo-like compound leaves; limited branching; height typically 1-2 feet

Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base. Avoid heavy pruning. Protect from wind in exposed locations.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 years

Plant develops more branching; foliage becomes fuller and more feathery; height increases to 3-4 feet

Continue consistent watering during dry periods. Fertilize in spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer. Remove any dead or damaged canes at base.

Flowering

Late spring, 4-6 weeks

Small white to cream-colored flowers appear in upright panicles at branch tips; flowers are delicate and fragrant

No special care needed during flowering. Avoid deadheading if you want berries to develop. Flowers attract pollinators.

Berry Development

Summer through winter

Flowers fade and small red berries develop, gradually darkening to bright red by late summer; berries persist through winter

No pruning during this phase to preserve berries. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruiting rather than leaf growth.

Winter Display

Fall through winter

Foliage colors intensify to brilliant reds, oranges, and bronze; berries remain bright; plant provides striking color contrast

Minimal maintenance needed. Evergreen foliage may suffer in extremely cold or dry winters. Prune any winter-damaged canes in spring after frost danger passes.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Japanese maple Hostas Ferns Hydrangeas Ornamental grasses Azaleas Rhododendrons

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Highly competitive shallow-rooted trees

Common Pests

Spray foliage with strong water stream or use miticide in severe infestations. Increase humidity around plant.
Remove with pruning; apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season or use insecticidal soap on active infestations.
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Increase air circulation; reduce humidity; apply sulfur or neem oil fungicide if severe.

Uses

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Landscape & Garden Design

Ornamental

Nandina's fine-textured foliage and year-round color make it a premium ornamental shrub for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and Asian-inspired gardens. Its vertical growth habit and delicate leaves provide elegant contrast to coarser-leaved plants. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Branches with berries and colorful autumn foliage are prized for fresh and dried floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and seasonal displays. The stems hold well in water and remain vibrant for extended periods. [source]

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Bird Food & Habitat

Wildlife

The persistent red berries provide valuable winter food for birds including robins, thrushes, and cedar waxwings. Dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for various songbird species. [source]

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Traditional Asian Medicine

Medicinal

In Chinese and Indian traditional medicine, various parts of Nandina have been used to treat inflammation, fever, and digestive issues, though scientific evidence remains limited. Used primarily in historical or traditional herbal preparations. [source]

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Dried Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

Dried nandina branches with berries are durable and retain color well, making them ideal for long-lasting wreaths, mantelpiece displays, and craft projects that need natural elements. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Nandina is not harvested for consumption. Cut stems with berries and colorful foliage for fresh arrangements in late fall through winter when color is most vibrant. Cut above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nandina domestica has become invasive in parts of the southeastern United States and Pacific Northwest, spread by birds consuming and dispersing berries. Some regions recommend removing or replacing with less invasive alternatives.
🌱 The name 'Nandina' comes from the Japanese word 'nanten,' which means 'difficult to see' or refers to the plant being difficult to recognize until it bears fruit.
🌱 Nandina foliage contains compounds that can make the berries and leaves mildly toxic to some animals if consumed in large quantities, though birds that eat the berries appear unaffected.

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