Nandina 'Gulf Stream'
Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'
“Purchased; planting unconfirmed at filming.”
Background
A classic dwarf nandina selection from the 1980s-90s trade, long the landscaper's default dwarf heavenly bamboo. Known for exceptionally consistent seasonal color and a dense, ground-filling habit. Does not fruit (no berry drop, no reseeding), which makes it one of the most reliable low-maintenance dwarf nandinas. The UA arboretum notes it is endemic to China and Japan.
Distinguishing traits
Dense, mounding dwarf ~2-3 ft tall and wide, filling to the ground rather than going leggy. Foliage emerges coppery-bronze in spring, turns blue-green with red stripes and gold tinges in summer, then coppery-bronze again in fall and winter. Seldom flowers in cooler climates; non-fruiting. 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 5b-9; fully hardy in 9b.
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat tolerant and low maintenance; a tough edging/hedge plant for hot climates.
- Water
- Low to moderate; drought tolerant 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; tolerates a range of soils.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; best color with good sun. The UA arboretum recommends full sun to partial shade but cautions against over-exposure in very hot, sunny climates.
Where to buy
- Plant Lust