Nandina
Nandina domestica
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Pl. 560E — Nandina domestica
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IOverview
Overview
Nandina is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. Native to China's North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions, as well as Japan, this plant has been widely cultivated in other parts of its native range. Nandina is known for its edible fruit and leaves, which are used in traditional Chinese cuisine. A distinctive feature of the plant is its vibrant red berries that persist on the stems throughout winter. The shrub's habit allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, including partial shade and moist soil, making it a popular ornamental choice in gardens.
Quick answers
What is Nandina?
Nandina is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. Native to China's North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions, as well as Japan, this plant has been widely cultivated in other parts of its native range.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nandina is a perennial shrub that thrives in temperate regions with hardiness between 6-9. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist conditions. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including light sandy soils, medium consistency, and heavy clay soils. Nandina requires regular watering but can handle some drought. Its edible parts include leaves and fruit, which can be used in various culinary applications. To propagate the plant, one can use cuttings or division, as its life cycle is perennial.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.5 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–6
For first-time growers
How to grow Nandina for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Nandina shrub for your garden, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Nandina plants or seedlings, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Nandina in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 4.5 and 6; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Nandina seedlings to a sunny spot in the garden, spacing them about 2 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade; water when dry, especially in hot weather. Prune lightly after flowering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Nandina to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest leaves for decorative purposes.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Nandina's edible uses are rooted in its native habitats. The fruit is typically consumed raw or dried for later use. In some regions, the leaves are also eaten, often cooked to make a tea. The plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial shade, making it well-suited for preparing and consuming its edible parts. Its adaptability to various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils, allows for diverse cultivation and utilization of Nandina's edible components.
Other uses:Hedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 16 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 4 native· 16 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Italy
Asia6 regions
native (2)ChinaJapan
introduced (4)GeorgiaIndiaJapanSouth Korea
Broader regions
introduced:Caroline Is., Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New South Wales, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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