WHAT: Gulf Stream nandina domestica is one of the best compact shrubs for year-round foliage interest in Northwest gardens.
WHY PLANT IT: It features a variety of leaf colors on a fairly dense, evergreen plant.
New growth is bronze with orange tints. Older leaves range from blue-green to gold and red. In winter, it features exceptional red and orange color.
It makes a fine informal hedge or can be used as a foundation planting. It can also be used in containers or in the mixed border.
WHERE: This plant looks its best in part or full sun. It grows well in shade, but its leaf color will be muted and mostly green.
It is drought-tolerant once established, but looks better with occasional summer watering.
It seldom flowers in Western Washington’s climate. In shady conditions with poor air circulation, it is prone to powdery mildew. Otherwise, it has few problems.
HOW: Complement the dissected leaves of this heavenly bamboo with large-leafed evergreen shrubs such as David’s viburnum or rhododendrons. Paperbark maple and Chinese red birch barks pick up the tones of Gulf Stream and make it shine.
ACTUAL SIZE: Unlike other heavenly bamboos, it is bushy and compact, reaching only 2½ to 3 feet high.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplant picks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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