Nandina, also known as Japanese or sacred bamboo is a hardy shrub that can be grown in most climatic conditions throughout New Zealand. Some nandinas have beautiful foliage colour during autumn and others retain their bright colours year round. Nandinas are multi-stemmed shrubs, with different varieties ranging from 40 cm to a metre tall. They have finely divided foliage with small cream flowers and red berries. Perfect for pots, planted en mass or on their own in the garden.


How to grow nandina in your garden

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the soil stays moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
  4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.  
  6. Feed regularly in autumn and spring with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food to promote strong root development healthy colourful foliage. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

     


How to grow nandina in a pot

  1. Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot.  Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
  2. Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  4. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  5. Feed regularly in autumn and spring with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food to promote strong root development healthy colourful foliage. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Some nandinas produce berries that can be spread by birds, resulting in nandinas becoming weeds in bushland. Prune nandinas to remove the berries or grow a variety that does not spread from seed. 
  • Trim nandinas regularly to promote a tidy, bushy and compact habit. Trimming will also encourage a fresh flush of colourful new foliage.

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Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.