Nandina has long been a mainstay in Southern landscapes, and for good reason. A remarkably adaptable plant, Nandina effortlessly transitions from sun to shade, moist to dry soils, and modern to traditional garden designs. This tough plant needs little pampering and performs beautifully in our hottest and coldest weather. No wonder nandina established such a foothold in the gardens of our parents and grandparents.
From beloved to loathed, nandina is also a plant that invites strong reactions. With modern improved nandina cultivars, we can cherish what is best about nandina, while leaving behind aspects that draw complaints. Along the way, we can change the rules as to how, and where, nandina is used in the garden. Join us!
Nandina also known as heavenly bamboo, is a popular landscaping shrub known for its delicate bamboo-like foliage and ability to thrive in heat and drought. But when it comes to optimal sunlight for growth, do nandinas really need full sun exposure? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
While nandina is adaptable and can perform in anything from full sun to partial shade, several factors impact how well it will grow in different light conditions:
Sun Exposure Affects Nandina’s:
- Growth rate – More sun equals taller size and faster growth
- Leaf color – Sunnier locations lead to brighter red foliage in fall/winter. Shade plants stay greener.
- Flowering – More sun results in greater flower and berry production.
- Hardiness – Full sun helps nandinas better withstand cold winters.
So full sun often provides the best performance, but there are benefits to other exposures too. Let’s explore optimal sunlight levels for nandinas in different climates and situations.
Full Sun Nandinas
Full sun means at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered light daily. This intense exposure is ideal for nandinas in the warmest southern climates like the Southeast, Gulf South, and Southern California. Benefits include:
- Fast growth rate, reaching larger mature sizes up to 8 feet tall and wide.
- Most prolific flowering and fruiting.
- Brightest red, purple and orange fall/winter leaf colors.
- Increased cold hardiness once established.
- Drought tolerance.
Provide ample water for full sun nandinas, particularly while roots establish the first year. Some afternoon shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorch, especially in hot climates. East, southeast and south facing sites often give the perfect sun levels.
Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade
Many gardeners find the ideal nandina exposure is at least 4 hours of morning sun then shade during the hottest afternoon hours This supplies sufficient light to fuel growth and blooms while protecting the plant during peak heat stress
Compared to full sun, foliage may appear slightly more green than red. But fall colors are still nice, and the growth rate and flowering are moderate. Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal leaf spots. East, southeast or south facing sites work well to provide morning sun and afternoon shade.
Afternoon Sun, Morning Shade
For dry, hot climates with intense afternoon sun, the reverse exposure of afternoon sun with morning shade can work beautifully. Flowering and leaf colors may be reduced compared to full sun plants. But the afternoon sunlight helps drive photosynthesis while preventing leaf burn. North facing sites provide ideal afternoon sun exposure.
Partial Shade Nandinas
Partial shade refers to locations with at least 4 hours of filtered sun or 2-4 hours of morning/afternoon direct sun then shade the rest of the day. Many gardeners find nandinas thrive with this gentler light. Benefits include:
- Lower maintenance needs for water and pruning.
- Reduced risk of sun scorch.
- Avoidance of reflected heat from walls or structures.
- Slower, more compact growth reaching just 4-6 feet tall.
While leaves trend greener, most varieties still display nice reddish fall/winter tones when given a few hours of partial sun.
Deep or Full Shade Nandinas
Dense shade under tree canopies or on the north side of buildings receives less than 2 hours of direct sun daily. Although adaptable, nandinas grow slowly and leggy in very low light. Leaves remain green year-round with no fall color. Blooming and fruiting will also be minimal.
If a shady site can’t be avoided, choose compact nandina varieties under 3 feet tall. Prune frequently to encourage dense foliage. Provide extra water since competition for moisture is high in deep shade.
Balancing Sun and Shade
One advantage of nandinas is flexibility in placement from full sun to shade. Consider your climate, the plant’s purpose, and available sunlight when siting it. With proper exposure and care, nandinas can thrive to showcase their graceful presence across a wide region.
Other Sun Exposure Tips
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To boost red leaf colors, select the sunniest spot possible and plant in average, well-drained soil.
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Allow plants to experience some drought stress in late summer to trigger more intense fall pigments.
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Choose nandina cultivars known for their bold red foliage like ‘Firepower’ and ‘Gulf Stream’.
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Provide wind protection for nandinas in open sunny sites.
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Monitor for signs of sunscorch and increase shade if leaf damage occurs.
By understanding how sun exposure impacts growth, you can place nandinas in the optimal light levels to enhance their performance and allow their graceful beauty to flourish.
Plant Containers That Last
Compact cultivars allow nandinas to go where old-fashioned varieties could not – into containers. For stunning bright plantings, combine reliable but beautiful nandina with vibrant tropical foliage and flowering annuals or perennials. With an evergreen nandina centerpiece, nandina containers may be modified for a simple transition from one season to the next. Check out our nandina container recipes here.
This evergreen container garden planting showcases nandina, complemented by hardy shrubs such as Purple Pixie® Loropetalum and ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia. Lasting beyond spring, the plant combo offers yellow winter blooms from the mahonia, while ‘Lemon Lime’ Nandina and ‘Everillo’ Carex brighten shady spaces with year-round lemon-lime hues.
Layers: Old and New
Nandina is the perfect plant for creating dynamic layers in the landscape. The plant itself has a unique growth habit of vertically layered branches, which is most pronounced in taller varieties. Combine nandina with other evergreen species in varying heights to create lush, colorful planting beds.
While old-fashioned nandinas serve beautifully as a backdrop, newer compact varieties such as ‘Lemon Lime’ and Flirt™ add texture and color to the mid ground. Accentuate the foliage color by planting against a dark green backdrop, like the more formal boxwood in this front yard garden plan. Finish the design with flowering perennials.
All About Obsession™ Nandinas In 2 Minutes
FAQ
Where is the best place to plant Nandinas?
Nandina grows best in moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Choose a sheltered spot, with some sun to encourage good colouring up of the foliage.
Can nandinas grow in shade?
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Covington’s Nurseryhttps://www.covingtonnursery.comNandina Selection and Care – Covington’s NurseryPlanting a Nandina Most of the nandinas we grow in this area are very forgiving! They will grow happily in anything from full sun to around three-quarters shade…
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https://hgic.clemson.eduNandina | Home & Garden Information Center – [email protected]May 19, 2023 — Nandina (Nandina domestica) produces clusters of red berries in sun or shade and can exceed eight feet in height. … Use compact cultivars that pro…
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YouTube · Springhouse Gardenshttps://www.youtube.comNandina – An easy to grow evergreen Shrub for Sun or Shade – YouTubeFeb 21, 2018 — the sunnier you put this in the more color you’ll get but this will grow in the full dark dry shade as well it’s very easy it’s probably one of the …
What are the cons of nandina?
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Poisonous Berries:Nandina berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids, making them toxic to birds, animals, and even humans.
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Cyanide Poisoning:Eating too many berries can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal, especially for birds like cedar waxwings.
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Other Parts of the Plant:While the berries are the most well-known source of toxicity, the leaves and stems also contain cyanide compounds.
How much sun do nandinas require?
Planting a Nandina
Most of the nandinas we grow in this area are very forgiving! They will grow happily in anything from full sun to around three-quarters shade.
Do nandinas need shade?
One benefit of nandinas is they allow flexibility in siting from full exposure to shade. Consider your climate, plant characteristics needed, and available sunlight when choosing the right spot. With proper placement and care, nandinas will thrive and showcase their graceful presence in gardens across the South.
Are nandinas easy to grow?
Nandinas are relatively easy to grow in your garden, and they’re ideal for USDA hardiness zones 6-9. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Bear in mind that foliage color will vary, depending on the amount of sunlight the shrub gets. Nandinas are great for both in-ground and container plantings.
How do you grow Nandina?
Remove flowers from heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) to prevent its spread. Pruning Nandina (Nandina domestica). Use compact cultivars that produce little or no fruit in foundation plantings, borders, groups, and containers. Nandina tolerates full sun to deep shade. Expect more vibrant colors in fall and winter when sited in sunny locations.
Is Nandina a low growing shrub?
Nandina ‘Flirt’ is a low-growing mounding shrub suitable for ground cover in full sun. The spectacular leafy foliage is dark purplish-red in spring and summer, turning to bright red in winter. Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ is a compact evergreen shrub with glossy lanceolate leaves.
How much sun does firepower Nandina need?
Firepower nandina needs full sun for superior foliage color. The only exception is at the upper end of its zone range (zone 9), where the plant benefits from receiving some afternoon shade. This plant is adaptable to most soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Water young plants sufficiently to get them established.
How do you care for a Nandina shrub?
A nandina shrub is easy to care for in a garden landscape. Apart from pruning to remove suckers that shoot up, nandina is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in most soil types. The shrub-like bush thrives in full sun but will grow just as well in partial-shaded conditions.