Nandina domestica 'Fire Power'

Sacred Bamboo

Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’
Fire Power Nandina / Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ is a compact, dwarf evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub grown mainly for its colorful foliage rather than flowers or fruit. New growth emerges lime green to fresh green, then develops orange, red, and fiery crimson tones in fall and winter. It has a dense, rounded habit and is useful as a low foundation plant, border edging, mass planting, or container shrub. Missouri Botanical Garden notes that ‘Fire Power’ typically does not produce flowers or fruit, while NC State describes it as producing very few flowers or fruit.

Type: Broadleaf evergreen / semi-evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 2 ft. wide × 2 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 6a–9b
Form: Compact, rounded, dense mound
Light: Full sun to part shade; best foliage color with good sun
Soil / Water: Average, moist, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established, but best with consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Rarely blooms; not grown for flowers
Wildlife: Low berry production makes it less attractive to birds than fruiting nandinas, but the plant has poison characteristics and berries of nandina species can be toxic.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent dwarf nandina for winter color, low hedges, edging, mass plantings, foundation beds, mixed borders, and containers. The foliage is the main ornamental feature, turning especially red in cooler weather. Because Nandina domestica can be invasive in some regions, use caution in areas where nandina is listed as invasive; ‘Fire Power’ is often considered a lower-risk choice because it produces little to no fruit.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Prune lightly only as needed to remove damaged or older stems; heavy shearing is usually unnecessary. Color is strongest with sun, though afternoon shade can help in hot climates.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

2'

Width

2'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Fall color

Red

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Dense, Mounded, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No