Nandina Domestica Gulfstream #3

‘Gulf Stream’ is the well-behaved, refined cousin of the wild Nandina you see on the roadside. It gives you that beautiful, zen-like bamboo texture without the aggressive spreading. It grows in a dense, tidy mound rather than tall canes. It’s the perfect way to get that Asian-garden aesthetic without needing a machete to keep it in check.

This plant is virtually indestructible in the Piedmont. It is one of the few shrubs that actually seems to enjoy our heavy red clay. It handles the baking heat of July just as well as the freezing winds in January. In fact, the colder it gets in Stokes County, the better this plant looks—the foliage turns a brilliant scarlet red in the winter, keeping your curb appeal alive when everything else is brown.

Why We Recommend It:

• Bird-Safe (No Berries): This is a huge selling point. Traditional Nandinas produce berries that can be toxic to our local Cedar Waxwings. ‘Gulf Stream’ is known for being virtually fruitless. You get the beauty of the foliage without worrying about the local bird population.

• A Color Chameleon: This shrub never wears the same outfit twice. New growth emerges coppery-orange, matures to a soft blue-green in the summer, and then shifts to a fiery red in the fall and winter. It’s a year-round show.

• No Pruning Needed: Because it grows in a tight, compact shape naturally, you don’t have to shear it. In fact, please don’t! It looks best when left natural. It stays manageable (under 4 feet), so it won’t block your windows.

Best Used For:

• Foundation plantings (especially against light-colored siding).

• Asian-inspired or "Zen" gardens.

• High-traffic areas (it’s tough enough to handle driveway heat).

• Container gardening (looks great in a tall pot).

The Specs:

• Growth Rate: Moderate.

• Mature Size: Compact; 3–3.5 ft tall x 3 ft wide.

• Sun/Soil: Sun to Part Shade. Very adaptable to various soil types, including clay.

Check out the full technical details on the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or come see the colors for yourself at Mitchell’s Nursery.