Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light to partial shade
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 3 to 4 ft.
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

Moderate; grows steadily but not aggressively.


Mature size: approximately 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a dense, upright habit.

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color White
Ornamental Berries Red berries
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

Flowers attract pollinators, especially bees.


Berries may attract birds in winter (although some Nandina berries are mildly toxic to certain bird species).


Foliage is deer resistant, as its leaves are unpalatable.

Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality

Offers four-season interest:


  • Spring – fresh pinkish-green new growth

  • Summer – glossy green foliage and white flowers

  • Fall – vibrant red-orange tones

  • Winter – long-lasting colorful foliage and red berries on mature plants
Ideal For

– Foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, hedges, containers, and four-season color displays

Leaf Description

Evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on climate.


Lush, finely divided foliage changes color through the seasons—lime green in spring, rich green in summer, and brilliant red to orange in fall and winter.


New growth emerges with a soft pinkish tint, providing multi-tonal beauty throughout the year.

Flower Description

Small, star-shaped white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, forming delicate, upright clusters.


Flowers are lightly fragrant and visually striking against the foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.


Remove any damaged or old canes at the base to encourage fresh shoots.


For a fuller appearance, thin out older stems every 2–3 years.


Avoid shearing, as it can ruin the plant’s natural, airy shape.

Water Needs

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.


Once established, moderately drought tolerant, but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.


Avoid overwatering—Nandina prefers moist but well-drained conditions.

Light Needs

Prefers full sun to partial shade; best foliage color develops in full sun.


In very hot climates, light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.

Harvesting

Produces small red berries in fall and winter after flowering (if pollinated).


Berries are ornamental only and not edible—mildly toxic if ingested.


No harvesting required; berries naturally persist and provide visual winter appeal.


For propagation, semi-hardwood cuttings in summer are preferred to seed.

Fertilizing

Feed once per year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10).


Over-fertilizing is not necessary; moderate fertility encourages healthy color and form.


Mulching with organic matter can help improve soil health naturally.

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

Produces small white flowers that are insect-pollinated (mainly by bees).


Flowers can be followed by clusters of ornamental red berries on mature plants if pollination occurs.

Companion Plants

Evergreens: Buxus, Ilex crenata, or dwarf conifers for texture contrast.


Flowering shrubs: Loropetalum, Azalea, Spiraea, and Hydrangea for seasonal color combinations.


Perennials: Heuchera, Hosta, or ornamental grasses for mixed borders.


Design tip: Combine with silver or green-leaved plants to highlight its multi-season color shifts.

Flowering and Seasonality

Offers four-season interest:


  • Spring – fresh pinkish-green new growth

  • Summer – glossy green foliage and white flowers

  • Fall – vibrant red-orange tones

  • Winter – long-lasting colorful foliage and red berries on mature plants

Small, star-shaped white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, forming delicate, upright clusters.


Flowers are lightly fragrant and visually striking against the foliage.

Pet Friendly

No

Growing Zone
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Click to enlarge