Species

Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

10 other cultivars

shrub

Flirt Nandina

Nandina domestica 'Flirt'

$19.99

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is an erect, evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia that features delicate, compound foliage resembling bamboo leaves. In late spring, it produces terminal panicles of small white flowers followed by bright red winter berries, though the species can aggressively colonize natural areas via bird-dispersed seeds.

'Flirt' is a dwarf, tightly mounded cultivar distinguished by its persistent wine-red new growth that retains its deep purple coloration through the heat of summer. This sterile-leaning selection rarely flowers or fruits, making it a safer landscape alternative to the invasive parent species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color with wine-red new growth transitioning to blue-green, then intensifying in winter.

Serves as an exceptionally low-maintenance, drought-tolerant barrier or border edging that resists deer and rabbits.

Offers dense, low-growing cover for ground-dwelling wildlife, though it has minimal floral or fruit value.

SpeciesNandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans and animals

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$19.99

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$99.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade, ensuring the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support deep foliage color.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this dwarf shrub into formal shapes; tight shearing removes the wine-red foliage tips and exposes bare, woody interior stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize the intensity of the red and purple foliage colors.
Ensure the soil drains freely to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature.

Don't

Do not shear the plant into formal shapes, which removes wine-red growth tips and leaves bare wood.
Do not plant in highly alkaline soils, which can cause leaf chlorosis.
Do not propagate this patented cultivar, as unauthorized vegetative propagation is legally prohibited.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMass PlantingBorder EdgingContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Itea virginica Callicarpa americana Heuchera Liriope muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flirt Nandina questions

What zones can Flirt Nandina grow in?

Flirt Nandina is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Flirt Nandina deer resistant?

Yes — Flirt Nandina is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Flirt Nandina bloom?

Flirt Nandina typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flirt Nandina need full sun?

Flirt Nandina does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Flirt Nandina drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flirt Nandina handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.