Nana Nandina

Introduction

Nandina can be grown in partial shade, but it will exhibit richer-colored, red fall foliage if planted in the sun. Foliage diseases will be less in full sun. Although tolerant to drought once established, rich soil and ample moisture will produce a lusher, better-looking plant. Plants survive with neglect, although regular fertilizations encourages growth and thicker plants. With bamboo-like stalks and delicate, fern-like foliage, Nandina is much prized for its oriental effect and distinctive appearance.

Use and Management

‘Nana’ is a smaller variety, reaching only two feet in height. Not as attractive as some of the other forms, the foliage is pale green to yellow with swatches of wine tones. With the coming of cooler weather, the foliage becomes a more uniform reddish color. This is an upright shrub with evergreen leaves that are pinnate to 3 – pinnate with lance-shaped leaflets. Bears conical panicles, to 16 inches long, of small star-shaped, white flowers with large, yellow anthers. Red berry-like clusters are persistent through winter, and can be used in arrangements or eaten by birds.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Soil Types/Tolerance: Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
• Uses: Border; mass planting; hedge, container or above-ground planter
• Additional Features: None
• Special Resistance: Deer, rabbits, seashore

Planting

• Available in 1, 3 or 5 gal containers.
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 18’, 24” to 36” OC
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.