Nandina 'Twilight'
Nandina domestica 'Twilight'
“Variegated foliage form. (Heard as 'pink twilight' on camera — same plant.)”
Background
A variegated dwarf nandina bred by Magnolia Gardens Nursery in Texas; listed by one European source as a sport of 'Gulf Stream'. Won the Gold Medal at Plantarium 2015 (Netherlands). Protected under EU plant breeders' rights (PBR EU 43076). Still relatively new in US trade. The UA arboretum notes it is endemic to China and Japan.
Distinguishing traits
Compact, bushy dwarf ~2-2.5 ft tall and ~1.5-2 ft wide. Young foliage emerges pink and bronze, maturing to green marbled with white/cream in summer, then intensifying in autumn-winter with a pink flush in spring. Light white flower clusters in summer can be followed by red berries. Variegation gives a sunset/twilight effect. 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
- Zone ~6b (hardy to about -4 to 0°F); hardy in 9b.
- Heat tolerance
- Heat tolerant; variegated foliage appreciates part shade in the desert to avoid scorch.
- Water
- Average; well-drained soil. 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; adaptable.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; partial shade protects variegation 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
- Magnolia Gardens Nursery