Fire Power Nandina
From PlantWiki
| Fire Power Nandina |
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| Species |
| Nandina |
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HISTORY
The genus Nandina domestica is widely used as an ornamental plant globally in landscapes and gardens. The full group is comprised of some 60 species of evergreen shrubs native to the wilds of China and Japan. New improvements in breeding bring us a far more manageable landscape plant in Fire Power Nandina. The common name for Nandina shrubs is Heavenly Bamboo or Sacred Bamboo, and for the most part they are graceful evergreen shrubs that are known for spreading and filling an area in several years. The Nandina genus is a member of the Barberry family, or Berberidaceae in proper horticultural nomenclature, but within the species it holds a standing as the only member in its class. Nandina is not a member of the bamboo family at all; it gains its name from the foliage shape and natural ethereal appearance.
Plants from the Nandina family are known for living long lives, some known specimens are 100 years old, and thriving very nicely, here in the USA. Unlike the rest of the Heavenly Bamboo shrubs, Fire Power is very small in stature and exceedingly well behaved. Some Sacred Bamboo bushes can reach a height of 6 feet tall and slowly spread and fill like ground cover, Fire Power Nandina has none of the genus habitat characteristics and is beautifully suited for the manicured landscape and small garden design purposes.
Dwarf Nandina excellence is exactly what is delivered by the breeding improvements found in Fire Power Nandina. In spring, the new leaves are wonderfully fresh in salmon pink turning to lime and then mid green as they mature. When the cold season arrives, Fire Power shows its true colors by turning fire engine red until the new cycle of growth begins the following spring. Reliably evergreen, in all but the northern reaches of its hardiness range, this dwarf evergreen shrub offers many uses as an ornamental landscape and garden specimen.
CHARACTERISTICS
Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ is the only true Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo. Maturing to only 2 foot high and wide, makes this small evergreen shrub highly desireable. Every homeowner has a place for an evergreen plant with such good manners! The foliage is medium in texture and changes in color to give drama or interest that differs with the seasons. The leaf surface softly textured and presented in a nicely full rounded mound without shearing. Fire Power Nandina is best maintained by letting it do its own thing shape wise for the most part and clipping out the oldest stems every 2 years to maintain a fully leafed shrubby appearance.
There are no pest and disease issues with this dwarf evergreen bush. Fire Power Nandina is highly pest and disease resistant. Nandina shrubs are well known for being very drought tolerant once established in your soil. Additionally, they are not one bit picky about their sunshine exposure and adapt readily to almost any soil type.
USES
In Japan, Nandina is very popular due to its high interest in all seasons and very low maintenance plant qualities. For busy US homeowners, these characteristics make it a perfect specimen for landscape or garden.
Hardy from zone 5-9, [Fire Power Nandina] is as at home in the shade as it is in full sun. For all around versatility of use and ability to grow in almost every planting placement, this Heavenly Bamboo shrub is an excellent landscape shrub. Adding its unique foliage color through four seasons, natural rugged vigor and low care needs, and you have one beautiful evergreen shrub.
HOME USES
Wherever a never-needs-shearing hedge is needed that remains low and fills at a good pace, Fire Power Nandina is an excellent candidate. It also is a great evergreen specimen plant for any location in the yard. This non-spreading Heavenly Bamboo is as at home in the informal planting as it is in the most formal design.
The medium texture of Fire Power Nandina is great for balancing textures in an all evergreen bed planting next to the foundation for front row winter brilliance. Around the patio or in the perennial garden, this lovely little evergreen bush is just right.