Obsession nandina

Sun

Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade helps prevent scorching in hot, dry climates. Colour is usually strongest with several hours of sun.

Water

Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells; container plants need more frequent checks.

Soil

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility; slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogged ground and very alkaline soil.

Height

3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m)

Spread

3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m)

Foliage

Evergreen. Divided leaves give a light, finely textured appearance. New growth emerges red, matures to green and can develop stronger red tones in cool weather.

Growth

Slow to moderate

Care needed

Low

• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Very tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   1.6 ft (0.5 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.9 ft (0.58 m)

3. After 2 years

   2.2 ft (0.67 m)

4. After 3 years

   2.5 ft (0.75 m)

5. After 5 years

   3 ft (0.92 m)

About 7 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Toxic

Invasive in

the US and Australia

In the garden

Spreads vigorously: plan to contain it.

Growth rate

Slow

• Water deeply when the root zone begins to dry during the first growing season.
• Spread 2-3 in (5-8 cm) of organic mulch over the roots, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Apply a light dose of balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring only if growth is weak or the soil is poor.
• Use a container with drainage holes and protect potted roots from hard freezes.
• Check for shoots spreading beyond the intended clump and remove them promptly.

Pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged stems at their base. If thinning is needed, remove a few of the oldest stems at ground level rather than shearing the foliage into a tight shape.

Early spring

Remove winter-damaged stems and thin crowded growth only where necessary.

Spring

Plant into well-drained ground, water thoroughly and renew the mulch.

Late spring

Check new leaves for yellowing and assess drainage or soil alkalinity before feeding.

Summer

Water young plants during dry weather and check containers frequently.

Autumn

Remove unwanted spreading shoots; if any berries develop, remove them before birds can eat them.

Winter

Shelter containers from cold winds and protect their root balls during prolonged freezing weather.

• Plant in small groups along a foundation, allowing room for the mature spread beneath windows.
• Use as a low foliage layer beneath small trees with an open canopy.
• Pair with dark green shrubs and pale ornamental grasses to highlight the red new growth.
• Grow in a large courtyard container for year-round foliage and a compact outline.

Garden styles it suits: Japanese, Modern courtyard, Modern, Traditional, Small-space and Winter interest.

Plant it with: Japanese forest grass, Liriope, Coral bells, Camellias, Azaleas and Autumn fern.

Wildlife: This foliage selection offers limited food for pollinators and birds. If berries occur, do not encourage birds to eat them: nandina fruit contains cyanogenic compounds and has caused bird deaths.

• Root rot in wet soil: improve drainage or move the plant; do not keep the root zone constantly saturated.
• Yellow leaves with green veins in alkaline soil: test soil pH and use an appropriate iron treatment if deficiency is confirmed.
• Winter leaf burn or stem dieback: choose a sheltered position and remove dead growth once spring growth reveals the damage.
• Scale insects: inspect stems and leaf undersides; treat confirmed infestations with a labelled horticultural oil, following temperature restrictions.

Toxic to cats, dogs, horses and people if eaten. Leaves, stems and especially berries contain cyanogenic compounds; substantial ingestion can cause serious, potentially fatal poisoning. Keep it away from grazing animals and seek urgent medical or veterinary advice after suspected ingestion.

Where it spreads. The species spreads by seed and underground shoots and is invasive in parts of the southeastern United States, including Florida and Georgia; it is also an environmental weed in parts of eastern Australia, including New South Wales and Queensland.

• Ordinary heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

  Usually much taller and more open, with conspicuous white flower clusters followed by red berries; Obsession stays compact and generally does not flower or fruit.

• Fire Power nandina (Nandina domestica 'Fire Power')

  Usually shorter, with broader leaflets and strong red winter colour; Obsession is taller and is particularly noted for red new growth.

Nandina comes from the Japanese name nanten, while heavenly bamboo refers to its cane-like stems and divided leaves rather than any relationship to true bamboo.

Propagation. Named plants are propagated vegetatively, usually by semi-ripe cuttings, to preserve their characteristics. This cultivar has been sold under plant-patent protection; check current rights in your country before propagating it.

Accepted botanical name

Nandina domestica

In the US and Canada

Introduced in the lower 48 states and Pacific Basin.

Native range

China North-Central, China South-Central and China Southeast.

Measured

Soil pH 4.5 to 6. Average height 244 cm.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.