About

Panicles of white flowers may be followed by red berries. A compact, evergreen shrub to around 75cm tall with narrow, finely-divided leaves. New foliage emerges reddish-purple in the spring maturing to lime green in summer before turning shades of bronze and purplish-red in the autumn.

About the genus

Nandina are erect, evergreen shrubs with pinnate to 3-pinnate leaves composed of lance-shaped leaflets which colour well in autumn, and panicles of small, star-shaped white flowers, followed by bright red fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, poultry): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a virus