Nandina 'Lemon Lime'
Nandina domestica 'Lemon Lime'
“Bright chartreuse foliage.”
Background
Nandina domestica 'Lemon-Lime' (PP24749), discovered in 2004 by Richard E. Davis in Locustville, Virginia, as a seedling from open-pollinated Nandina domestica 'Aurea'. Introduced by Plants Nouveau (Charleston, NC) in the Southern Living Plant Collection. Billed as the first heavenly bamboo with lime-green foliage. The UA arboretum notes it is endemic to China and Japan.
Distinguishing traits
Compact shrub 3-4 ft tall and wide with short leaf internodes for a dense habit. New growth and outer foliage emerge bright lemony-chartreuse, fading to grass green in summer heat — a striking contrast with the typical red nandinas. Rarely flowers; no fruit observed (non-invasive). 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 6-9; hardy in 9b.
- Heat tolerance
- Heat tolerant; in full hot desert sun it benefits from extra fertilizer and supplemental irrigation to stay at its best.
- Water
- Low to average; 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
- Moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogged spots.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in the desert. The UA arboretum recommends full sun to partial shade but cautions against over-exposure in very hot, sunny climates.
Where to buy
- Colesville Nursery
- Southern Living Plant Collection