“Low, mounding nandina for the front of beds.”
Background
Nandina domestica 'Murasaki' (PP21391), sold under the trade name Flirt in the Southern Living Plant Collection and introduced in 2010. A sport of Nandina domestica 'Harbour Dwarf' selected for wine-red young foliage; 'Murasaki' is Japanese for purple, describing the new growth. Rarely flowers or fruits, so it is essentially non-invasive. The UA arboretum notes it is endemic to China and Japan.
Distinguishing traits
Truly dwarf, tight, mounding shrub 1-2 ft tall and 1-2 ft wide. Wine-red new growth matures to deep blue-green, then deepens to red-burgundy in cool weather — holding red foliage roughly 9 months of the year. Dense, slow-growing; excellent edging and front-of-border plant. The UA arboretum describes nandina as an evergreen shrub to about 8 feet with bamboo-like stalks, deep-green pinnate leaves that redden in cold, and showy clusters of red berries in fall.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Zones 6-10 (some sources to 11); hardy in 9b.
- Heat tolerance
- Heat and humidity resistant; drought tolerant once established. Afternoon shade in the desert keeps foliage from scorching.
- Water
- Low to moderate once established. The UA arboretum rates water use as high, noting it is not drought tolerant and is sensitive to dry or salty soils.
- Soil
- Adaptable; well-drained preferred.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; best with some afternoon shade in hot climates. The UA arboretum recommends full sun to partial shade but cautions against over-exposure in very hot, sunny climates.
Where to buy
- Southern Living Plant Collection