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Nandina, Compact
Nandina domestica 'Compacta'
Compact Nandina is a shorter, denser selection of Heavenly Bamboo that offers the texture and seasonal color of standard nandina in a more manageable size. It produces light spring flowers followed by red berries, though typically less heavily than the older domestic form. This cultivar is often used where a mid-height evergreen shrub is desired without the tall, cane-like habit of standard nandina.
It performs well in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of Texas soils, including moderately alkaline conditions common in Central Texas. Afternoon shade can help reduce summer stress in hotter areas. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional irrigation during prolonged dry periods. Mature size typically reaches 4–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming a fuller, more compact habit than the standard type. Space 30–36 inches apart for hedges or mass plantings. As with all fruiting nandinas, berries are considered toxic if consumed in large quantities.
In production, Compact Nandina should be propagated vegetatively to maintain its true growth habit. Seed-grown plants can revert toward the taller, standard domestic form and lose the compact characteristics that define this selection. For consistency and uniformity, it is best produced from cuttings or tissue-cultured liners sourced from reputable suppliers. In landscapes, it works well for mid-level screening, background plantings, and evergreen structure where predictable size is important.
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Compact habit |
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Moderate berries |
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Evergreen structure |
Flower Color:White
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Height:4-6 Feet
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Spread:3-4 Feet
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Spacing:30-36 in
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USDA Hardiness Zone 6a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| NAN-COM-05 |
#005 NANDINA, COMPACT |
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| NAN-COM-15 |
#015 NANDINA, COMPACT |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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