Nandina

Best Nandina domestica Plants In NZ!

Growing colourful shrubs such as Nandina domestica (commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo or False Bamboo) in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Nandina plants and the right one for your space. Nandina Firepower, Nandina Gulf Stream, Nandina Obsession, we have them all! Our Nandina have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Nandina, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Nandina Questions

1. How fast does Nandina grow?

Nandina is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows about 10-15 cm per year. With proper care, it can reach up to 2-3 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide in just a few years.

2. Which is the best Nandina?

There are many different varieties of Nandina, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular Nandina varieties:

• Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo): This is the most common type of Nandina, and it is known for its attractive red foliage and bright red berries. It is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 3 m tall and 2 m wide.
• Nandina domestica 'Nana': This is a dwarf variety of Nandina that only grows to about 1 m tall and 60 cm wide. It is a great choice for smaller spaces or for growing in a container.
• Nandina domestica 'Fire Power': This variety produces new growth that is bright red and fades to green as the leaves mature. It is a heat-tolerant shrub that is also resistant to deer browsing.
• Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream': This variety of Nandina is known for its compact growth habit and its deep red foliage in autumn. It is a disease-resistant shrub that is also relatively low-maintenance.
• Nandina domestica 'Obsession': This variety of Nandina is known for its bright red new growth, which lasts for several months before fading to green. It is a compact shrub that is also relatively low maintenance.
• Nandina domestica 'Harbour Dwarf': This variety of Nandina is known for its dwarf growth habit and its pink new growth, which turns green as the leaves mature. It is a low-maintenance shrub that is also deer-resistant.

3. Is Nandina a good or bad plant?

Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is a popular ornamental shrub with both positive and negative attributes. Here's a balanced assessment of the plant:

Positive Aspects of Nandina:

1. Attractive Foliage: Nandina is valued for its vibrant foliage, which ranges from green to red to purple throughout the year, adding a splash of colour to landscapes.
2. Decorative Berries: In the autumn, Nandina produces clusters of bright red berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and attracting birds.
3. Adaptability: Nandina is a versatile plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, including full sun to part shade, various soil types, and drought tolerance once established.
4. Ease of Care: Nandina is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and fertiliser.
5. Disease Resistance: Nandina is generally resistant to most diseases, making it a relatively trouble-free addition to gardens.

Negative Aspects of Nandina:

1. Invasive Potential: Nandina is considered an invasive species in some regions, particularly in warmer climates, where it can spread aggressively and displace native plants.
2. Toxicity to Birds and Pets: The berries of Nandina contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic to birds and pets if consumed in large quantities.
3. Limited Ecological Value: Nandina does not provide significant habitat or food sources for native pollinators or other wildlife, unlike many native plants.
4. Aesthetic Considerations: Some gardeners find the uniform appearance and dense growth habit of Nandina to be less appealing than other shrubs with more varied textures and forms.

4. Where is the best place to plant Nandina?

The best place to plant Nandina depends on your climate, soil conditions, and desired use for the plant. Here are some general guidelines for choosing a suitable planting location:

1. Climate: Nandina is generally hardy but it may not tolerate extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions. In colder climates, choose a planting site that receives some protection from strong winds and frost. In hotter climates, consider planting Nandina in a location that receives afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning.
2. Soil Conditions: Nandina thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid planting Nandina in areas with heavy clay soil or excessively wet conditions, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. If your soil is not ideal, add sand and compost to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Desired Use: Consider how you want to use Nandina in your landscape. If you want to use it as a hedge, choose a location that has ample space for the plant to spread and provide the necessary pruning to maintain the desired shape. If you want to use Nandina as a specimen plant, choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and has enough room for it to mature to its full size.

Here are some specific planting locations to consider for Nandina:

• Full sun to part shade: Nandina can tolerate a range of light conditions, but it prefers full sun for optimal growth and colour development. In areas with hot summers, consider planting Nandina in a location that receives some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning.
• Sheltered locations: Nandina is not particularly wind tolerant, so choose a planting site that is protected from strong winds. This could be near a building, a larger tree, or a fence.
• Well-drained soil: Nandina does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so choose a planting site that has good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Space for growth: Nandinas can grow to be 2-3 m tall and 1-1.5 m wide, so choose a planting site that has enough room for the plant to mature to its full size.

By considering these factors, you can choose a suitable planting location for Nandina that will allow it to thrive and add beauty to your landscape.

5. Do Nandinas like sun or shade?

Nandinas, also known as heavenly bamboo, are versatile plants that can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, they prefer full sun for optimal growth and leaf colouring. In full sun, Nandinas will produce vibrant foliage. In partial shade, Nandinas will still grow well, but their foliage may be less colourful.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of how Nandina performs in different light conditions:

Full sun:

• Nandinas will grow to their full size and produce the most vibrant foliage and berries.
• The foliage will be more colorful, with shades of red, purple, and bronze.
• The berries will be more abundant and last longer into the winter.

Partial shade:

• Nandinas will grow well, but they may not reach their full size.
• The foliage may be less colorful, with more green tones.
• The berry production may be reduced.

Deep shade:

• Nandinas will not tolerate deep shade.
• The plants will become leggy and the foliage will turn yellow and drop off.
• The berry production will be very poor.

If you are considering planting Nandina in your garden, choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you only have partial shade available, choose a location that receives morning sun or filtered light. Avoid planting Nandina in deep shade, as this will likely result in a poor-looking plant.

6. Should I get rid of my Nandina?

Whether or not you should get rid of your Nandina depends on a few factors, including:

• Nandina is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world. If you live in one of these areas, it may be a good idea to remove your Nandina to prevent it from spreading and harming native plants.
• Nandina berries are toxic to pets and children, so if you have either, it may be a good idea to remove your Nandina to avoid accidental poisoning.
• Nandina can spread quickly and form dense thickets that can crowd out other plants. If you are concerned about the impact of Nandina on your local ecosystem, you may want to remove it.
• If you don't like the look of Nandina or find that it is too high-maintenance, you may simply want to remove it for aesthetic reasons.

7. Is Nandina poisonous to touch?

Nandina is not poisonous to touch. All parts of the nandina plant, including the leaves, berries, and stems, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide when ingested. However, the amount of hydrogen cyanide released is not enough to be harmful to humans through skin contact.

While Nandina is not poisonous to touch, it is important to be aware of the potential for poisoning if the plant is ingested. Children and pets are especially at risk of poisoning, as they may be more likely to put the berries in their mouths. If you are concerned about the risk of poisoning, you may want to remove your Nandina plant or avoid planting it in areas where children or pets have access.

8. Will Nandina grow back if cut down?

Nandina will grow back if cut down with severe pruning. In fact, pruning is often recommended to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. If you cut nandina down to the ground, it may take a few years for the plant to reach its full size again. A word of caution, however. If your plant is weak or sickly, it may not recover well from aggressive pruning.

9. What are some interesting facts about Nandinas?

Some interesting facts about Nandinas:

1. Nandina is not a bamboo: Despite its common name of "heavenly bamboo" or "sacred bamboo," it is not a true bamboo. It is actually a flowering plant in the Berberidaceae family, which also includes barberries and Oregon grape.
2. Nandina is native to eastern Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan. It has been cultivated in China for centuries and was introduced to Europe in the 17th century.
3. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 6-10 feet (2-3 m) tall. It has attractive green leaves that turn a stunning red or orange in the autumn.
4. Nandina produces clusters of bright red berries in the fall. These berries are toxic to humans and pets, so it is important to keep children and animals away from the plant.
5. It is a popular landscape plant due to its attractive foliage, colourful berries, and tolerance for a wide range of conditions.
6. Nandina is a symbol of good luck in some cultures, such as China and Japan. It is often given as a gift to celebrate new beginnings, such as weddings and births.
7. Nandina has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever, diarrhoea, and hepatitis. However, it is important to note that Nandina is a toxic plant and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.
8. Nandina is a popular bonsai plant due to its small size, attractive foliage, and ability to flower and fruit in miniature.
9. Nandina is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways, both indoors and outdoors. It makes a beautiful addition to gardens, landscapes, and containers. It can also be used as a cut flower or dried for arrangements.

10. What is wrong with my Nandina?

Some possible reasons your Nandina might not be doing well:

• Environmental stress: Nandinas are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but they can be stressed by extreme weather conditions, such as drought, heat, or cold. They also prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. If your Nandina is experiencing any of these conditions, it may be showing signs of stress, such as wilting leaves, brown spots, or stunted growth.
• Pests and diseases: Nandinas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they are not immune. Some common pests that can affect Nandinas include aphids, scale insects, and Japanese beetles. Common diseases that can affect Nandinas include fungal leaf spots and root rot. If you suspect that your Nandina is suffering from a pest or disease, you should inspect the plant carefully and take appropriate measures to control the problem.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Nandinas need a balanced diet of nutrients to thrive. If your Nandina is not getting enough nutrients, it may show signs of deficiency, such as yellowing or stunted growth. You can correct a nutritional deficiency by applying a balanced fertilizer to your Nandina in the spring.
• Improper care: Nandinas need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. They also need to be pruned occasionally to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage new growth. If you are not providing your Nandina with the care it needs, it may show signs of neglect, such as wilting leaves, brown spots, or stunted growth.

If you are still unsure what is wrong with your Nandina, you can take a sample of the affected plant to your local nursery.