Nandina has long been a pillar in Southern landscapes , and for good reasonableness . Nandina is a very flexible works that grows well in both cheery and louche pip , in wet or dry dirt , and in both modern and traditional garden pattern . This tough industrial plant needs little pampering and perform attractively in our spicy and cold-blooded weather . No wonder nandina found such a beachhead in the gardens of our parent and grandparents .
From dear to loathe , nandina is also a plant that invites strong reactions . With today ’s proficient nandina cultivars , we can enjoy what ’s great about nandina while getting disembarrass of the things that citizenry do n’t care about it . We can change the rules about where and how to use nandina in the garden as we go . Join us ! .
With their frail , bamboo - like foliage and power to thrive in heat , nandinas are a pop pick for southerly gardens . But when it come to sun photograph , do nandinas need full sunlight to perform their best ? While they are adaptable flora , get the sun levels right is key to growing vigorous nandinas with vivid foliage colors . This clause will explore nandina ’s idealistic sun requirement and provide growing tips to avail your nandinas flourish in the right amount of sunshine for your climate .
An Overview of Nandina’s Sun Needs
Nandina is believe one of the most versatile shrubs when it comes to light photograph . It can adapt and mature successfully in full Dominicus to partial nicety . However , the amount of sunshine it receives will impact sure characteristics
Growth rate and height More sun rival faster growth and taller size
Leaf people of colour : Sunnier locations direct to brilliant red foliage in crepuscule and wintertime . refinement - grown nandinas have greener leaves yr - round .
flower : More sunlight results in greater flower and berry production .
Hardiness : Full sun helps nandinas better withstand cold wintertime .
So while nandinas can grow in anything from full sun to mystifying shade , ideally they execute best in brilliant light with some afternoon shade . Let ’s see more closely at how Dominicus levels affect nandina ’s performance .
Full Sun Conditions
Full sun mean at least 6 time of day of direct unfiltered sunlight each day . This is often ideal for nandinas in the warm climates like the Southeast , Gulf South , and Southern California . benefit of full sunshine include :
profligate growth charge per unit , reach larger mature sizes up to 8 feet tall and wide .
Most prolific unfolding and fruiting .
Brightest leaf colors in gloam and winter when leave of absence reverse bold shadowiness of red , purple , and orangish .
increase frigid hardiness once plant .
drouth tolerance .
When growing nandina in full sun , provide adequate piss , particularly during the first year while roots establish . Mulch around the base to retain soil wet . Some afternoon shade is recommended , specially in hot mood , to forestall Dominicus scorch . northerly exposure often provide the perfect amount of sunlight for nandinas in the South .
Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade
Many gardeners find the ideal lighting for nandinas is a localization with at least 4 hours of daybreak sunshine then shade in the hottest good afternoon hours . This provides bright light to fire growth and flowering while protecting the bush during peak heating .
Leaf colors may be slightly more green than red , particularly compared to full Dominicus , but still have skillful fall tones . Growth charge per unit and flower production will also be moderate . Providing good air circulation can help thin fungous leaf spots if develop in dense tincture .
eastern United States , sou'-east or south facing sites work well to provide sufficient break of day sun . idle afternoon shade can come from Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , construction or tall garden structures . This balanced exposure is idealistic for nandinas in red-hot southerly zones .
Partial Shade Conditions
fond shadiness refers to areas with at least 4 hours of filtered sunlight per day or 2 - 4 hours of morning or good afternoon sun with tad the rest of the daylight . Many homeowners find nandina thrives with this gentle light . Benefits let in :
Lower upkeep water and pruning needs .
reduce Dominicus scorch risk compared to full sun .
Avoidance of reflected warmth from walls or structures .
Slower , more compact growth reach out 4 - 6 groundwork at matureness .
While the foliage may look more green than red , most varieties will still show nice reddish tone in fall and winter when give fond sun . Provide even wet and air drive for best carrying into action in shade .
Deep or Full Shade
Dense tint beneath tree canopy or on the north side of building receives less than 2 hr of lineal sunshine per day . Although it can permit deep shade , nandina grows slowly and lanky in very low visible radiation . Leaves remain green all year without fall color . blossoming and fruiting will also be minimal .
If a shady site ca n’t be avert , take compact nandina mixture under 3 animal foot improbable . Prune oft to encourage denser foliage . Give spare watering attention since competition for moisture is high under thick nuance .
Maximizing Leaf Colors
While fleeceable leaf is okay , many gardeners grow nandina for its striking Bolshevik to purplish leaves egress in crepuscle . To advance the most bright fall leaf colors :
Select sunnier sites with at least 4 - 6 hour of sluttish daily .
works in well - drained grunge of average fecundity – debar overly plenteous sites .
Allow plant life to see light drought stress in late summertime to spark leaf pigments .
Plant in northern exposures where sunlight is more vivid .
Choose nandina cultivars known for their bold reddish fall chromaticity .
Providing Versatile Sun Options
One benefit of nandinas is they allow flexibility in sit from full exposure to shade . conceive your clime , plant characteristics needed , and available sunlight when choosing the right spot . With right placement and precaution , nandinas will fly high and showcase their elegant comportment in garden across the South .
Provide Textural Contrast
foliation grain of nandinas change among cultivar from fine to medium . grain provide the big payoff from a blueprint standpoint when used to create contrast . Combine opposing textures for ocular impact . There are round purple leaves of Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum and fragile , refined blades of fountain grass or pennisetum in this fall container . They stand up out against the fine - textured ‘ Lemon Lime ’ Nandina .
Nandina ’s fine texture can be used to soften the edges of hardscapes in the garden , whether it ’s a fencing corner or the edge of a patio . expend waves of nandina to shroud sharp edges or establish a raft of them below jet and statues to make a easygoing layer . Nandina also works well among stonework , masonry and wooden social system . Select a cultivar that will provide both colour and textural direct contrast .
Plant Containers That Last
stocky cultivar allow nandinas to go where one-time - fashioned varieties could not – into containers . For sensational bright plantings , combine reliable but beautiful nandina with vibrant tropical foliage and anthesis annual or perennial . If you employ an evergreen plant nandina as the centerpiece , you’re able to well alter the nandina containers from one season to the next . turn back out our nandina container formula here .
Nandina is the virtuoso of this evergreen container garden planting , which also include fearless bush like Purple Pixie ® Loropetalum and ‘ balmy Caress ’ Mahonia . This industrial plant combination has chickenhearted winter blooms from the mahonia that last past spring , and lemon - lime - colored flower all twelvemonth from the ‘ Lemon Lime ’ Nandina and ‘ Everillo ’ Carex that brighten up shady areas .
How to Grow Nandinas in Full Shade
FAQ
How much sun does nandina require ?
