Known for their bamboo-like foliage and striking red berries, nandinas are a popular ornamental shrub. With their pretty pinkish-red new growth and ability to turn brilliant shades of red orange or purple in fall, it’s no wonder these plants are a staple in many gardens. But if you’re considering adding a nandina to your own landscape, you may be wondering – just how tall do these shrubs grow?
The height a nandina will reach depends on a few key factors:
The Species and Cultivar
There is only one true species of nandina – Nandina domestica. However there are numerous cultivars that have been bred for more compact growth and other desirable traits. The species nandina can grow quite large up to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity. But by selecting one of the many dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivars, you can control the ultimate size.
Some small nandina cultivars top out around 2 feet, while medium-sized varieties may reach 3 to 5 feet. Here are some height specifics on popular nandina cultivars:
- Firepower – 2 to 3 feet tall
- Gulf Stream – 3 to 3.5 feet tall
- Harbour Dwarf – 2 to 3 feet tall
- Obsession – 3 to 4 feet tall
- Blush Pink – 2 feet tall
- Burgundy Wine – 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flirt – 1 to 2 feet tall
- Sienna Sunrise – up to 4 feet tall
- Lemon Lime – up to 4 feet tall
Growing Conditions
The environment where a nandina is planted affects its growth rate and ultimate size. Nandinas grow best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Insufficient sunlight and poor drainage can result in reduced growth.
Extreme cold can also cause dieback and limit a nandina’s size. Most tolerate temperatures down to 0°F when dormant, but cold snaps below this can damage stems. Provide protection from harsh winter winds to help prevent dieback.
Conversely, overly hot climates can cause nandinas to grow rapidly. They thrive in USDA zones 6 to 9, but may overperform and exceed their expected mature height in the warmer zones like 8 and 9.
Time and Pruning
Given enough time to grow unrestrained, even dwarf nandina cultivars will eventually outpace their expected size ranges. Allowing 10 years or more of growth before pruning usually results in shrubs much larger than their labels state.
To control overgrowth, prune nandinas as needed to maintain the desired shape and size. Selective thinning or heading back overgrown stems prevents leggy, open growth. For rejuvenation, older plants can be cut back to 6 to 12 inches from the ground in early spring. This stimulates the production of new compact growth.
Providing Proper Care
Giving your nandina proper care makes a difference in how quickly it grows. The key factors are:
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Watering – Provide at least 1 inch of water per week from either rainfall or irrigation. Soil should never completely dry out.
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Fertilizing – Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to energize growth.
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Mulching – Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Pest Control – Monitor for signs of insects like whitefly and treat promptly to avoid stunted growth.
Shopping Smart
When purchasing a nandina, check the plant tag or description carefully. Terms like “dwarf” or “semi-dwarf” give you a clue that the shrub will grow shorter than a species nandina. But to get a true sense of the mature height, look for the specific cultivar name and do a quick search to verify size.
Buying young nandina plants also allows for easier size control through pruning as needed over time. Don’t assume that a small shrub in a 1 gallon pot will stay petite forever!
Designing with Mature Height in Mind
Plan your landscape design knowing both the current and future expected size of the nandinas you select. Small starter shrubs still need adequate room to grow. Space them out based on their predicted spread at maturity.
Also consider their ultimate height in relation to walkways, doors, and windows. Avoid planting dwarf nandinas where they will eventually block views or access when they reach full size.
Enjoying These Graceful Shrubs
With their vibrant colors and graceful, oriental look, nandinas deserve their popularity in gardens across many regions. Just keep their potential mature size in mind when planting. With the right cultivar selection and proper care, these small to mid-sized shrubs can grace your landscape for years to come without ever outgrowing their space. Paying attention to their growth habits will allow you to reap all the benefits of their dazzling foliage.
Exciting Plant with Year-Round Interest and Rich Color!
- Green and Red Foliage
- Pink Flowers and Red Berries
- Disease and Pest Resistant
- Low Maintenance
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| Soil Type | Adaptable |
| Sunlight | Full, Partial |
| Drought Tolerance | Good |
| Mature Height | 3-6 Feet |
| Mature Width | 3-4 Feet |
| Fall Color | Red |
| Bloom Color | Red |
| Shipping Restriction | AZ, FL |
The Heavenly Bamboo Nandina has the most beautiful color and style all year long of any shrub. This evergreen plant has a beautiful Asian look like bamboo but none of the problems that come with real bamboo.
Young foliage emerges with a red or pink tint and changes to light green as it matures. Cool-weather brings out vivid red color. In the fall, there are first hints of red over the green, and by late fall or winter, the red is often very dark.
Clusters of pinkish-white flowers show up in the spring, and then bright cherry red berries stay on the plants all winter. The nandina’s upright branches that look like bamboo are even more interesting because they often turn red in the fall, just like the leaves.
The Heavenly Bamboo Nandina can grow in full sun or partial sun, and it can handle almost any well-drained soil. This plant thrives on minimal care and requires no pruning. Nadinas are pest and disease resistant. After establishing Heavenly Bamboo Nandinas are very drought tolerant. We recommend fertilizing with our balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting and in early spring for optimal growth.
Add a colorful and uniquely exotic look to your home or garden with the Heavenly Bamboo Nandina. Order yours today! Heavenly Bamboo Nandina FAQ.
Are the berries on Nandina toxic?
Yes, unfortunately the berries are toxic to pets and animals including birds. However they are not a preferrable food as long as there is another food source. Heavenly Bamboo Nandina Care.
Be sure to choose the right location and conditions for your Heavenly Bamboo Nandina to thrive. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant. In warmer places, you can plant in most of winter, while in cooler places, you can wait until early or late summer. Just take care to avoid extreme temperature. Nandinas grow in zone 6-10.
Plant in full to partial sun. Nadinas are adaptable to just about any soil. However, avoid wet soil to prevent disease and even death. Water deeply when planting and twice weekly for the first 3 months while your new plant is establishing. After establishing, nandinas are very drought tolerant and will only need watered during extremely hot/dry conditions. A good way to keep the soil cool and moist, stop weeds, and protect the roots during extreme temperatures is to cover the soil with three inches of mulch. Fertilize in spring with a general purpose, slow release fertilizer. We make our own special blend to help your new plants get off to the best start! Nandinas can handle heavy pruning, but they don’t need it. Prune any time of the year.
Heavenly Bamboo Nadinas are pest and disease resistant. Landscape ideas
Heavenly Bamboo Nandina adds vibrant color and Asian appeal to the southern landscape. Nandinas are excellent for borders, hedges, and mass plantings. This evergreen shrub adds the perfect touch to your rock and Zen gardens and mixed beds. The Heavenly Bamboo Nandina is a great specimen shrub. It grows to be 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. This pretty nandina plant in a pot will add a bright splash of color to your front door, porch, patio, or deck. For borders or hedges plant about 3 feet apart. Otherwise, plant about 5 feet apart to give your plants space in-between.
*Nandinas are highly toxic to pets, animals, and birds. However, they are not a preferrable food source.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Nandina collection.
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