How to Grow Nandina Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Nandina shrub is a beautiful, ornamental plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. It is native to China and Japan, and has been cultivated in the West since the 18th century. The nandina shrub is an evergreen, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round. It can grow to a height of 6 feet, and its leaves are a glossy green with red margins. The nandina shrub produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries in the fall.

How to Grow Nandina Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Heavenly bamboo
  • Sacred bamboo
  • Chinese lantern plant
  • Wintergreen
  • Nandina domestica

Things to Know

  • Nandina is a shrub that is native to Asia.
  • It is an evergreen shrub, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round.
  • Nandina can grow to be about 6 feet tall.
  • The leaves of the nandina shrub are a glossy green color.
  • The flowers of the nandina shrub are white and appear in clusters.
  • The berries of the nandina shrub are red and are poisonous to humans.
  • Nandina is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
  • Nandina is easy to grow and is relatively drought tolerant.
  • Nandina can spread invasively in some areas.
  • Nandina is a member of the Berberidaceae family.

Related plant:
Nandina Domestica Richmond

Growing Steps

  1. For nandina shrub, first step is to find a appropriate location. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
  5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, but be sure to keep it away from the plant’s stem.
  6. Water the nandina shrub regularly during the first growing season to help it establish a deep root system.
  7. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its desired shape.
  9. The nandina shrub is generally pest and disease free.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful nandina shrub for many years to come!

Related plant:
Nandina Domestica Fire Power

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Nandina shrub prefers rich, well-drained soil but also does well in average, dry to somewhat dry soil. It does not tolerate heavy, wet soils. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in some sand and organic matter to improve drainage. Nandina shrub is tolerant of both acid and alkaline soils.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, Nandinas need sunlight to grow. They prefer full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If they don't get enough sun, they may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. So, make sure to give them a sunny spot in your garden!

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the nandina shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub does not do well in areas that are too hot or too cold. It is important to make sure that the nandina shrub is not exposed to any extreme temperatures.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower. The plant will suffer if the humidity is too high, as the leaves will begin to yellow and fall off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and turn brown.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is very forgiving. You can use any type of fertilizer, organic or not. Just be sure to spread it around the base of the plant, not right up against the stem. The roots of this shrub are relatively shallow, so be careful not to overdo it with the fertilizer, or you may end up with burned roots.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your nandina shrub healthy and looking its best. You'll need to prune annually to remove any dead or dying branches. You can also prune to shape the shrub or to control its size. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring. The cuttings should be about 10cm (4in) long and have a heel if possible. Use a sharp knife or secateurs, and make a clean cut just below a leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves, then insert the cutting into moist, sandy soil in a propagator or place it in a plastic bag. Keep at a temperature of 18-21°C (64-70°F).

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast when young, but will eventually begin to slow with age. When planting, be sure to give the shrub room to grow since it can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide. Nandina shrubs are known to be heat and drought tolerant once they are established.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are insect pests and diseases. Insect pests include scale, whiteflies, and mites. These insects can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. Diseases that can affect nandina shrub include rust, powdery mildew, root rot, and wilt. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and the stems to weaken.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your nandina in an area that gets full sun.
  • Nandina does best in well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to water your nandina regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Apply a fertilizer made specifically for acid-loving plants to your nandina each spring.
  • To encourage dense growth, prune your nandina back by about one-third each year.
  • Nandina is relatively pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for scale and mealybugs.
  • If you live in an area with deer, you may want to consider planting nandina as deer do not seem to care for the taste.
  • Nandina can be used as a standalone plant or grouped together with other shrubs and plants.
  • Nandina can reach up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, so give

Similar Plants

  • Nandina domestica
  • Nandina pumila
  • Nandina senescens
  • Nandina demissa
  • Nandina dichotoma
  • Nandina flaccida
  • Nandina angustifolia
  • Nandina Caespitos
  • Nandina album
  • Nandina borbonica

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Nandina—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Nandina shrubs offer gorgeous winter color | Mississippi State ...
Nandina domestica - Aquatic Plant

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category