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Nandina, Nana
Nandina domestica 'Nana Atropurpurea'
Nana Nandina ‘Nana Atropurpurea’ is a compact, dwarf selection of Heavenly Bamboo grown primarily for its dense habit and rich foliage color rather than flowers or fruit. Unlike older standard nandina varieties that produce heavy crops of red berries and may reseed, ‘Nana Atropurpurea’ is valued for its minimal to no fruit production and controlled growth habit. In Texas landscapes, it is widely used as a low border plant, foundation accent, or mass planting where dependable color is desired without aggressive spreading.
This evergreen shrub performs best in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a range of Texas soils, including moderately alkaline conditions common in Central Texas. In hotter areas, light afternoon shade can help maintain foliage color and reduce stress. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Mature size typically reaches 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, forming a tight, mounded shape. Space 24–30 inches apart when planting in groups. While nandinas are considered toxic if berries are consumed in quantity, the limited fruiting of this cultivar significantly reduces that concern.
‘Nana Atropurpurea’ is especially prized for its seasonal foliage shifts. New growth emerges reddish-bronze, matures to green in summer, and then turns vibrant shades of red to burgundy in fall and winter. Because it does not aggressively sucker or reseed like older berry-producing varieties, it is a more landscape-friendly option for commercial properties, residential foundations, and formal plantings where low maintenance and predictable performance are important.
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Dwarf habit |
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Minimal fruit |
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Winter red color |
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Height:2-3 Feet
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Spread:2-3 Feet
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Spacing:24-30 in
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USDA Hardiness Zone 6a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| NAN-NAN-01 |
#001 NANDINA, NANA ATROPURPUEA |
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| NAN-NAN-05 |
#005 NANDINA, NANA ATROPURPUEA |
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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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Full Sun to Full Shade |
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Part Shade to Full Shade |
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Full 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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