Nandina Care: How To Grow This Colorful Evergreen Shrub Year-Round

Nandina (Nandina domestica), often called Heavenly Bamboo, is a versatile evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub prized for its changing foliage, upright shape, and year-round visual interest. Native to East Asia, Nandina isn’t a true bamboo, but its slender canes and finely divided leaves give it a bamboo-like appearance.

This tough, adaptable shrub thrives in many climates and brings multiseason color with minimal maintenance. In spring, new growth emerges in red or bronze tones, maturing to green in summer, and then turning fiery red or burgundy in fall. Small white flowers bloom in late spring, followed by bright red berries that persist into winter.

What Type of Plant Is Nandina?

Nandina is a woody evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, depending on your climate.

It grows upright with multiple slender stems, producing delicate, fern-like foliage that changes color throughout the seasons.

It’s known for being low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and highly ornamental year-round.

Most varieties grow 3 to 8 feet tall, with dwarf cultivars staying under 3 feet.

Best Nandina Varieties To Grow

There are many cultivars of Nandina, offering a range of sizes and color variations.

Here are some popular choices:

• ‘Fire Power’ – A compact, non-flowering variety with intense red fall color.

• ‘Gulf Stream’ – Dense and tidy, perfect for hedges or mass plantings.

• ‘Blush Pink’ – A dwarf variety with soft pink new growth.

• ‘Obsession’ (also called ‘Obsessed’) – Vivid red foliage year-round with a fuller, bushier form.

• Standard Nandina domestica – Taller, more open, and produces flowers and berries.

Select dwarf or sterile cultivars if you’re in a region where invasive spread is a concern.

Best Light Conditions for Nandina

Nandina is very adaptable to light levels, which makes it great for a range of garden spots.

Use these lighting tips to encourage vibrant growth:

• Grows best in full sun to part shade.

• Full sun enhances red foliage tones, especially in fall and winter.

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

• Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced color.

Choose a location with 4–6 hours of direct light daily for optimal performance.

When and How Much To Water Nandina

Nandina is drought-tolerant once established but still needs consistent moisture to thrive early on.

Follow this watering schedule:

• Water deeply when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry.

• In-ground plants usually need water every 7–10 days during dry spells.

• Container-grown Nandina may need watering every 3–5 days in hot weather.

• Avoid soggy soil, especially near the crown — it can lead to rot.

Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.

Best Soil Mix and Drainage Tips

Nandina isn’t picky but thrives best in loose, well-draining soil.

Here’s how to prep the soil for success:

• Use loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost or aged manure.

• Ideal pH is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

• Avoid heavy clay unless amended with organic matter and grit.

In containers, use a well-aerated mix with potting soil, perlite, and bark fines for optimal drainage.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels

Nandina performs well in a wide range of climates and is hardy in USDA zones 6–10.

• Temperature: Tolerates both heat and frost; foliage color intensifies in cooler months.

• Humidity: Not sensitive to humidity levels but benefits from good airflow to prevent fungal issues.

In zone 6, some leaf drop may occur during severe winters, but the plant usually rebounds in spring.

How and When To Fertilize Nandina

Though not a heavy feeder, Nandina responds well to seasonal fertilizing to maintain color and promote healthy growth.

Use this fertilizing strategy:

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, like this one, in early spring.

• Reapply lightly in mid-summer if needed.

• For container plants, supplement with a diluted liquid feed (10-10-10 at half strength) every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer.

• Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.

Always water after fertilizing to avoid root burn and improve nutrient absorption.

Troubleshooting Common Nandina Issues

While generally pest- and disease-resistant, Nandina may show signs of stress in certain conditions.

Watch for the following issues:

• Leaf drop: Often due to extreme cold or sudden watering changes.

• Yellowing leaves: Usually linked to poor drainage or overwatering.

• Leggy growth: Caused by too much shade or infrequent pruning.

• No red color in fall: Lack of sun exposure or nutrient deficiency.

Regular care and good site placement help prevent most problems.

Easy Maintenance To Keep Nandina Healthy

Nandina requires minimal pruning or shaping but benefits from periodic care.

Use these maintenance steps to keep your plant looking its best:

• Prune older canes at the base in late winter or early spring to promote fuller growth.

• For taller varieties, stagger pruning of stems to create a layered, natural look.

• Remove suckers if spreading is not desired.

• Mulch annually to protect roots and preserve moisture.

Dwarf varieties rarely need pruning and are ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

When and How To Repot or Transplant Nandina

Nandina transplants well, especially when done during the cooler months.

Follow this guidance:

• Transplant or repot in early spring or fall when weather is mild.

• For container plants, repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger pot.

• Use fresh soil and water thoroughly after transplanting.

• Avoid root disturbance during peak summer heat or winter dormancy.

After transplanting, delay fertilizing for 4–6 weeks while the plant re-establishes.

Be sure to check out our propagation guide – How To Propagate Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo) by Division and Cuttings.

Final Word

Nandina is a standout in any garden — colorful, structured, and surprisingly easy to grow.

With its year-round interest, changing foliage tones, and low-maintenance temperament, it’s a perfect fit for foundation plantings, borders, and containers.

Just give it sun, well-drained soil, and a little seasonal trimming, and this vibrant shrub will reward you with beauty in every season.