Nandinas, often referred to as sacred bamboo (though they’re not true bamboo), are widely used by landscape specifiers in Australia due to their low-maintenance nature, striking seasonal colour, and compact habit. Modern cultivars, particularly from breeders like Ozbreed, have improved form, colour and reduced seeding (important for ecological safety), making them especially popular in urban and amenity landscapes.
Here’s how landscape specifiers typically use nandinas in design:
1. Formal and Informal Hedges
- Compact forms like Obsession™ Nandina and Flirt™ Nandina are ideal for low hedges in residential or commercial settings.
- Their neat growth habit minimises pruning requirements, which is desirable for reducing maintenance costs.
Flirt™ Nandina domestica ‘MURASAKI’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/flirt-nandina/
2. Accent and Feature Planting
- Nandinas are often planted in clusters or drifts for seasonal interest. Their new red foliage, autumn tones, and delicate structure add textural and colour contrast against green-dominated palettes.
- Often, foliage colours will shift through greens, reds and purple shades throughout the year, while Blush™ Nandina maintains bright red foliage for most of the year.
3. Courtyards and Container Gardens
- Dwarf varieties perform well in pots and raised beds, making them suitable for tight urban spaces, rooftops, and hospitality venues.
4. Foliage-Based Colour Design
- Rather than relying on floral displays, specifiers use nandinas for foliage colour, especially in low-irrigation landscapes where year-round foliage interest is preferred over seasonal flowering.
- The red, burgundy, and copper tones support warm palettes and contrast well with greys and greens.
Blush™ Nandina domestica ‘AKA’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/blush-nandina/
5. Environmental Benefits
- Modern sterile varieties reduce weed risk and ecological invasion, which is a concern with older fruiting types.
- Their toughness and drought tolerance also make them a strong choice for sustainable urban landscapes.
6. Mass Planting in Public Spaces
- Nandinas are chosen for medians, roundabouts, car parks, and commercial frontages, due to their:
- Sun and shade tolerance
- Low water needs
- No pruning requirements in modern forms
- Sun and shade tolerance
Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/obsession-nandina-is-an-exotic-plant-with-bright-red-new-growth-for-most-of-the-year-hardy-exotic-range/
Conclusion
Nandinas are a common sight within the Australian landscape, and for good reason. They provide reliable changing foliage colour throughout the season, they are easy to manage, and most importantly, they’re hard to kill. They may not be the superstar of your next design, but every good landscape needs a few reliable background actors.
