An evergreen shrub, Nandina domestica ‘pygmaea’ is low growing and has brilliant scarlet red foliage in autumn through winter. Sometimes called the dwarf Sacred Bamboo, it is found growing near shrines and temples in China and Japan.
Also known as Nandina domestica ‘nana’ and Nandina domestica ‘compacta’ this is a plant grown for the foliage. From spring throun summer the foliage is a good lime green and as the weather cools those vibrant reds appear to brighten the winter days.
Reaching around 50cm in height, it grows well in full sun to part shade depending on the climate.
How To Grow Nandina domestica ‘pygmaea’
A well drained humus rich soil and a sunny position will give you the best growth and the best foliage colour.
- The best time to plant is in early spring.
- Prepare the soil by digging over and weeding the area.
- Add some aged cow or sheep manure to the planting hole.
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool root moist run.
- Fertilise each year in spring with a slow release organic type fertiliser.
- Renew mulch each spring.
- In long dry summers a deep watering every few weeks will be beneficial.
You cn also grow Nandina domestica ‘pygmaea’ in containers. Use a good quality potting mix and a container with good drainage holes.
Planing distance
If you want a continuous low hedge plant Nandina domestica ‘pygmaea’ at around 50cm (18 inches) apart.
Pruning
the best time to prune is from the beginning of winter through until early spring. For us early spring works well.
- Use sharp clean secateurs, loppers or a small ‘pocket boy’ type saw.
- To maintain the lighter feathery and natural look, you can cut back 1/3 of the older canes to ground level as a simple method of pruning and renewal. We prefer this menthod
- If you wish to prune to shape, light pruning at any time of the year works as well.
Watering
Nandina are relatively drought tolerant once established, the amount and frequency of watering depends on soil and climate.
With regular rainfall good soil and adequate mulch little to no watering will be required in cool to temperate climates.
In poor soil and warmer climates regular watering will be required. Watering in the morning is suggested and overwatering must be avoided to mprevent root problems.