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Growth Rate
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Moderate; grows steadily but not aggressively.
Mature size: approximately 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a dense, upright habit.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Ornamental Berries
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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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.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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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
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Ideal For
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– Foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, hedges, containers, and four-season color displays |
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Leaf Description
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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.
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Flower Description
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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.
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Planting Instructions
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Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
Loosen the surrounding soil and amend with compost if heavy clay is present.
Set the root ball level with the soil surface, backfill, and water deeply to settle soil around the roots.
Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer (pine bark or shredded leaves) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches from the stems.
Space plants 3–4 feet apart when using as a hedge or mass planting.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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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.
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Water Needs
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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.
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Light Needs
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Prefers full sun to partial shade; best foliage color develops in full sun.
In very hot climates, light afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
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Harvesting
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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.
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Fertilizing
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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.
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Pollination
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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.
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Companion Plants
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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.
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