Nandina domestica, Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors nowadays. Nandina 'Firepower' in the Wilson Display Garden attracted by eye with it's brilliant fall colors and is selected as October's Plant of the Month.

The older variety Nandina can reach 6 top 8 feet in height. The new dwarf cultivars stay around 2 feet in height. 'Firepower' matures at 1 to 2 feet in height and 2 feet in width.

Nandinas are quite hardy in Wilson and live in hardiness zones 6 to 9.

The common variety is distinctly upright and unless properly pruned becomes leggy. Dwarf varieties stay lower and more compact.

The dwarf varieties are grown for their multi-colored leaves. New leaves appear coppery to purplish red. 'Firepower' winter color is a glowing red, perhaps this is were it's name is derived from.

Well the dwarf nandinas sound great but have one disadvantage from the taller variety, they don't flower or produce the spectacular bright red berries.

Nandinas can be transplanted easily from containers. It is adapted to many soil and exposure extremes. Nandinas prefer moist, fertile soil. It will grow in full sun or shade. It possibly is the most durable broadleaf evergreen.

Nandinas has little problems with insects or diseases. Powdery mildew has been recorded but rarely.

Nandinas look nice planted in drifts or groups. There is a large collection of nandinas at the JC Raulston Arboretum, located near the State Fair Grounds in Raleigh.

The cultivars of dwarf nandina are endless. Some of the most common are 'Atropurpurea Nana', 'Harbour Dwarf', 'Compacta', and 'Wood's Dwarf'.

Seeds have been propagated but usually take two years to emerge. So go ahead a take the plunge, buy your garden some Nandinas. You will love the foliage color especially as cooler weather comes.

Home gardening questions can be answered by Master Gardener Volunteers on Mondays and Fridays from 1-3 PM at 237-0113.

Date Created: 12/06/00.