Nandina domestica 'Moon Bay'

Moon Bay Heavenly Bamboo

andina domestica ‘Moon Bay’
Moon Bay Heavenly Bamboo / Moon Bay Nandina

Nandina domestica ‘Moon Bay’ is a compact evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub grown for its changing foliage color and neat rounded habit. New growth often emerges soft copper, orange, or reddish, matures to green, then develops rich red and gold tones in fall and winter. It is a dwarf, dense form of heavenly bamboo, typically used for foundation plantings, low borders, massing, edging, and containers. It may produce small whitish spring flowers and some red berries, although it is mostly valued for foliage color.

Type: Broadleaf evergreen / semi-evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 3–4 ft. wide × 3–4 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 6a–9b
Form: Compact, rounded, symmetrical mound
Light: Full sun to part shade; best red winter color with good sun
Soil / Water: Average, moist, well-drained soil; moderate water, drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; small whitish flowers, usually brief and not highly ornamental
Wildlife: Flowers may attract bees when present; berries, if produced, can attract birds but nandina berries are toxic and are a concern for birds and pets.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Good choice for winter foliage color, low hedges, mass plantings, small foundation beds, mixed shrub borders, entry plantings, and containers. ‘Moon Bay’ is useful where a smaller, naturally rounded nandina is wanted without the taller cane-like look of the species. Because Nandina domestica is invasive in some regions, especially parts of the Southeast, it should be used with caution and monitored for fruiting or seedlings.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Prune selectively in late winter or early spring to remove old, damaged, or overly tall stems at the base. Avoid heavy shearing so it keeps its natural rounded form. Remove flower clusters before berries form if wildlife toxicity or reseeding is a concern.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

3-4'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Hedge

Shape

Dense, Mounded, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No