Nandina.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 6 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Provide well-draining soil and consistent moisture, especially when young. You can prune to maintain shape or encourage denser growth, but avoid over-pruning as it flowers on old wood. Watch for potential signs of overwatering like yellowing leaves.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in cooler months.

Feeding

Feed in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning after flowering if you want berries.

Repotting

Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, moving to a slightly larger container.

Soil

Well-draining, loamy soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 - 7.0)

Temperature

-12 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

The berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting large quantities may cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous system depression.

Pets

Berries are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

The berries are attractive to children and can be poisonous if eaten in quantity; keep them away from young children.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience skin irritation from contact with the sap.

Airborne allergens

Pollen can be a mild respiratory allergen for sensitive individuals.

Edibility

While the berries are not typically considered edible for humans, they can cause issues if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

• Compound, fern-like leaves
• New growth is often reddish
• Clusters of small white flowers
• Bright red berries in fall/winter
• Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage

Height

1.8 to 2.4m

Spread

1.2 to 1.5m

Leaves

Green, Red, Bronze, evergreen

Flowers

White, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

Red, Fall to winter

Common problems

• Scale — Small, immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant.
• Mealybugs — White, cottony pests that feed on plant juices, often found in leaf axils.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves, which can lead to leaf drop.
• Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to yellowing leaves and plant decline.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed, Cuttings, Division

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant Nandina where its berries can be appreciated by birds in winter, and where its colorful foliage can provide seasonal interest.

Grows well with

• Azalea — Azaleas appreciate similar soil pH and moisture levels, and their spring blooms complement Nandina's year-round appeal.
• Hostas — Hostas provide lush foliage contrast and thrive in the partial shade conditions that Nandina can tolerate.
• Dwarf Conifers — Dwarf conifers offer structural interest and evergreen texture, pairing well with Nandina's seasonal color changes.
• Creeping Juniper — Its low-growing habit and drought tolerance make it a good groundcover companion for sunny sites.

Keep away from

• Overwatering — Excessive water can lead to root rot, which is a common problem for Nandina.
• Poorly Drained Soil — Like overwatering, soils that retain too much moisture can stress the plant and lead to root issues.
• Very Alkaline Soils — While adaptable, extremely alkaline soils can sometimes cause nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron.

Similar species

• Japanese Holly — Both are evergreen shrubs often used for similar landscape purposes, though Japanese Holly lacks the striking berry display.
• Pyracantha — Pyracantha also produces abundant berries and can be used as a barrier plant, but its thorns are more formidable.
• Barberry — Some Barberry varieties have colorful foliage and berries, but they are typically much smaller and spikier.

Science

Family

Berberidaceae

Genus

Nandina

Order

Ranunculales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Eastern Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan.

Conservation

Nandina domestica is listed as invasive in some regions, so check local regulations before planting.

In its native habitat, Nandina domestica grows in forests and along stream banks, often in the understory.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, fruit for birds

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, wildlife food source

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much sun does Nandina need?

Nandina prefers full sun to partial shade. It will produce more berries in full sun.

When is the best time to prune Nandina?

Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Is Nandina a fast grower?

It has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 1-2 feet per year.

Can Nandina tolerate cold weather?

Yes, it is quite cold-hardy, generally suitable for USDA zones 6-10.

Does Nandina need special soil?

No, it's adaptable to most well-drained soils, from sandy to loamy.

Where the name comes from

The common name Nandina comes from its Japanese name, 'Nandin'. The scientific name, 'domestica', means 'domesticated' or 'of the home', referring to its widespread cultivation.

Good to know

• Nandina domestica is incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
• It's evergreen in warmer climates and semi-evergreen or deciduous in colder areas.
• The berries are often used in floral arrangements.
• It thrives in a variety of soil types.
• New foliage growth can range from bronze to red before turning green.