Nandina Domestica Firepower #1

If you want a landscape that glows even when the frost hits, you need to consider the 'Firepower Nandina'.

Let’s face it: winter in the King and Winston-Salem area can look a little… gray. While the rest of the garden goes to sleep, the Firepower Nandina is just waking up. This isn't your grandmother’s unruly shrub; it is a compact one that shifts from a fresh lime green in the summer to a brilliant, fire-engine red as the temperatures drop.

At Mitchell’s, we love this plant because it is a "polite guest." It stays small, keeps its foliage all year round, and doesn't demand constant attention. It’s perfect for that spot in the front yard that needs color but is too small for a big holly or boxwood.

Why we recommend them for NC yards:

• Winter Warrior: When other plants are bare, this shrub looks like a burning bush. It provides essential warmth and color to your curb appeal from Thanksgiving through Easter.

• No Pruning Required: This is a true dwarf variety. It naturally grows into a neat, round mound (about 2 feet tall and wide). You can leave the hedge trimmers in the garage.

• Eco-Conscious Choice: Unlike the old-fashioned standard Nandinas, 'Firepower' generally does not produce berries. This means it won’t spread uncontrollably into our local woodlands, making it a worry-free choice for responsible gardeners.

Best Used For: Low foundation hedges, bordering a walkway, or adding color-changing green and red to container pots on the patio.

The Firepower Nandina is incredibly hardy and drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun (which helps bring out that intense red color) but handles part shade just fine. For more details on this specific cultivar’s growth habits, you can check the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, or just chat with us while you are here at the nursery.