A compact, evergreen shrub growing to approximately 0.1–0.5 m (4–20 in) tall and wide. It forms neat, mound-like clusters ideal for small spaces or containers.
General Appearance
A compact, evergreen shrub growing to approximately 0.1–0.5 m (4–20 in) tall and wide. It forms neat, mound-like clusters ideal for small spaces or containers.
Despite its common name, it’s not a bamboo, but is part of the Berberidaceae (barberry) family.
Foliage & Colour Changes
Spring: Leaves emerge with a red-pink flush or yellow-green tint.
Summer: Leaves transition to bright red mixed with yellow-green, offering a multicoloured effect.
Autumn & Winter: Foliage becomes fiery shades of orange, red, and copper, maintaining bold colour even through winter.
The vivid winter coloration gives the cultivar its name “Firepower.”
Flowers & Berries
Produces conical panicles of small, star-shaped white flowers in mid-summer.
In some regions, these can develop into bright red berries, though berry production may be limited depending on location.
Growing Conditions & Care
Light: Thrives in full sun for the most vibrant autumn colours. It tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils, adaptable to a variety of soil types (chalk, loam, clay, sand). It tolerates a wide pH range.
Hardiness: Suitable for UK’s H5 zones and USDA zones 6–11. Can handle temperatures down to approximately −12 °C (10 °F).
Maintenance: Low-maintenance—pruning is minimal, usually only to tidy or shape, best done in early spring.
Watering: Young plants need regular watering. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant, but benefits from supplemental watering during dry spells.
Toxicity & Wildlife Notes
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Handle with care, especially around children or animals.
Wildlife resistance: Generally deer- and rabbit-resistant. Birds may be attracted to berries—though berries themselves are also toxic.
Note: In parts of the southeastern U.S., Nandina species can be considered invasive.
Uses
Perfect as a border or groundcover, in containers, or as mass planting in small gardens. Its year-round foliage and winter colour make it especially valuable for winter interest.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Compact, ~0.1–0.5 m tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Low-growing, mound-forming, evergreen shrub |
| Floral display | White flower panicles in midsummer |
| Foliage highlights | Red-pink (spring) → red/yellow-green (summer) → fiery orange/red (autumn/winter) |
| Soil & Sun | Moist, well-drained soil; full sun for best coloration |
| Hardiness | Zones UK H5; USDA 6–11; down to ~–12 °C (10 °F) |
| Maintenance | Very low; prune sparingly in early spring |
| Toxicity | Harmful to pets and humans if eaten |
| Wildlife | Deer- and rabbit-resistant; berries attract birds (also toxic) |
| Good for | Containers, borders, massing, winter color in temperate gardens |
| Size | 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre |
|---|
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