How to Grow Nandina Domestica Gulf Stream - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Nandina domestica gulf stream is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. It has dark green leaves with a bronze hue that emerge from red stems. The leaves are serrated and have a leathery texture. In the spring, small white flowers bloom and give way to bright red berries. The berries are poisonous to humans but are beloved by birds.

How to Grow Nandina Domestica Gulf Stream - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Heavenly Bamboo
  • Nandina
  • Sacred Bamboo
  • Heavenly Luck
  • Alabama Crimson Bamboo

Good to Know

  • Nandina domestica, or gulf stream nandina, is a flowering shrub native to eastern Asia.
  • It is a member of the family Berberidaceae, which includes such plants as barberry and mahonia.
  • Nandina domestica is an evergreen shrub, meaning it keeps its leaves year-round.
  • It typically grows to about 3-4 feet in height, although it can reach up to 6 feet.
  • The leaves of nandina domestica are a deep, glossy green and are divided into numerous sharp-toothed leaflets.
  • In late spring or early summer, the shrub produces small, white flowers clustered together in large, showy clusters.
  • The flowers are followed by bright red berries, which mature in late summer or fall.
  • Nandina domestica is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
  • It is relatively easy to care for, although it does require some pruning to maintain its shape.
  • Nandina domestica can be propagated from cuttings or by dividing the rootball.

Related plant:
Nandina Domestica Richmond

Growing Steps

  1. For nandina domestica gulf stream, first step is to select a planting location. Nandina domestica gulf stream prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Nandina domestica gulf stream can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
  3. To sow seed, mix seeds with sand and sow on the surface of well-drained seed-starting mix. Keep the mix moist but not wet and seedlings should appear in 14-21 days.
  4. Once seedlings appear, thin to one plant per pot.
  5. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they have at least two sets of true leaves.
  6. Nandina domestica gulf stream can be transplanted into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and plants are at least 8 inches tall.
  7. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
  8. Apply a balanced fertilizer once plants are established.
  9. Nandina domestica gulf stream is tolerant of a wide range of soils but will perform best in fertile, well-drained soil.
  10. Water plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around plants to help retain moisture.

Related plant:
Nandina Berries

The Soil

About soil condition, Nandina domestica Gulf Stream is good at adapt to different soil condition, including well-drained soil and poor soil. And it is easy to care because it is not demanding on the soil. Nandina domestica Gulf Stream is also soil erosion control plant.

About light

Like the other varieties of Nandina, the domestica Gulf Stream thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil, but is tolerant of a variety of soils so long as they are not waterlogged. This versatile shrub makes an excellent foundation planting, hedge, or specimen plant.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are optimal for Nandina domestica growth are those that approximate the average summer temperature in the species' native range, which is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The Gulf Stream, which is a warm ocean current, helps to moderate the climate in the southeastern United States, making conditions that are ideal for Nandina domestica growth. The plant is also tolerant of brief periods of cooler weather and can even withstand some frost, although extended periods of cold can damage or kill the plant.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant can withstand short periods of low humidity, but will wilt quickly if the air is too dry. If the air is too humid, the leaves will develop brown spots.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this type of plant grows best with a balanced 10 10 10 fertilizer in the springtime. You can also use a slow release fertilizer or organic compost. Just make sure not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer will burn the roots.

About light

Pruning nandina domestica gulf stream plants is best done in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back last year's growth to about 6 inches (15 cm) above ground level. This will encourage new growth to emerge from the base of the plant. If the plant is overgrown, you can cut it back hard to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) above ground level.

The Propagation

Propagation of Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' is best accomplished by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and taken from new growth. Place the cuttings in a propagation tray or pot filled with a well-drained soil mix. Water the cuttings well and place the tray or pot in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight. Rooting will occur in 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, transplant the seedlings into individual pots filled with a good quality potting mix. Water well and place in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate in a single season is about 1 foot. However, if you are lucky enough to have perfect growing conditions, it is possible for your plant to reach 2 feet in a single season. Perfect growing conditions include plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and consistent watering. If you can provide these conditions, you can expect your nandina domestica gulf stream to reach its full potential growth rate.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. pests include caterpillars, mites, and scale, while diseases include root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot. Pests and diseases can be controlled with proper care and treatment.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your nandina regularly, especially when the plant is young.
  • Place the nandina in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Fertilize the nandina once every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the nandina regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep the area around the nandina free of weeds and other plants.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the nandina to help retain moisture.
  • Check the nandina regularly for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the nandina berries when they are ripe and use them in juices or jams.
  • Enjoy the beautiful foliage of the nandina as it changes color throughout the year.
  • Share your nandina with friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

Substitution

  • Gulf Stream sparrow, Ammodramus bairdii.
  • Gulf Stream flower, Helianthus strumosus petiolaris.
  • Gulf Stream rock rose, Helianthemum frenatum gulf stream.
  • Gulf Stream loquat, Eriobotrya japonica gulf stream.
  • Gulf Stream oak, Quercus suber gulf stream.
  • Gulf Stream pondweed, Potamogeton gramineus gulf stream.
  • Gulf Stream sedge, Carex flava gulf stream.
  • Gulf Stream wallflower, CheiranthusERA, ERAbora gulf stream.
  • GulfStream butterflyfish, Chaetodon semilarvatus.
  • Gulfstream loquat, Eriobotrya japonica gulfstream.

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'
PlantFacts - Ohio State University
Nandina domestica | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category