Burgundy Wine Nandina

Among the most valuable of foliage shrubs, Nandina, or sacred bamboo, are attractive and easy to grow. The Burgundy Wine Nandina is an outstanding variety, with striking dark red new growth in spring making it among the best. It is compact, growing to around 3 feet tall, eventually taller in warmer zones, where it is also evergreen right through winter. Deciduous in zone 6, the cluster of cane-like branches are handsome in winter, and it is unique in developing open clusters of white berries in winter, rather than the red ones more typical of these plants. The glossy foliage is finely divided, giving a light look, yet also dense enough to give good screening around foundations and AC units. Easy to grow too, and tolerant of poor soils, dryness and shade, if you want easy, colorful foliage plants, you are in the right place.

• Striking bright red new foliage in spring
• Unique clusters of white berries in fall and winter
• Handsome divided foliage of leather, glossy leaflets
• Tough and reliable, and tolerant of poor conditions
• Deciduous in zone 6, semi-evergreen in zone 7, evergreen in zones 8 to 10

Grow the Burgundy Wine Nandina in full sun in cooler zones and afternoon shade in warmer ones. It also tolerates denser shade, but will be more open in growth. Plant it in any soil that is well-drained, from clay to sand. It helps to add organic material when planting. Once established it is remarkably drought tolerant, and generally tough and reliable. It isn’t bothered by deer, pests or diseases and is easy to grow. No trimming is needed or advised – in zone 6 you may need to remove any dead canes once you see new growth emerging. For a full display of berries another variety that flowers should be nearby.