Nandina x Domestica Harbour Dwarf

Heavenly Bamboo'

Nandina domestica ‘Harbour Dwarf’
Harbour Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo / Harbour Dwarf Nandina

Nandina domestica ‘Harbour Dwarf’ is a low, compact broadleaf evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub grown for its dense foliage and seasonal color. New leaves often emerge coppery to reddish, mature to blue-green or green in summer, then turn reddish-orange, red, and reddish-purple in fall and winter. It is shorter and more spreading than many nandinas, forming a dense mound with foliage close to the ground. NC State notes that it usually reaches about 2 ft. tall and can spread by rhizomes to 3–4 ft. wide.

Type: Broadleaf evergreen / semi-evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 3–4 ft. wide × 2 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 6a–9b
Form: Low, dense, spreading mound
Light: Full sun to part shade; best 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 white flowers may appear, but this cultivar is grown mainly for foliage
Wildlife: Flowers may attract bees when present. Fruit production is reported as low to none by some extension sources, but nandina berries, when produced, can be toxic to birds and pets.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Good for low foundation plantings, massing, edging, groundcover-style shrub plantings, slopes, mixed borders, Asian-style gardens, and containers. ‘Harbour Dwarf’ is useful where a shorter nandina is wanted, but it can spread outward by underground rhizomes, so allow room or edge it where needed. Clemson describes it as a dense mound with coppery new growth, blue-green summer foliage, and red-purple fall-to-winter color.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Prune selectively in late winter or early spring by removing old, damaged, or unwanted spreading stems at the base. Avoid heavy shearing so the plant keeps its natural mounded shape. Remove berries if they appear, especially in areas where nandina is invasive or wildlife toxicity is a concern.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

1-2'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Dense, Mounded, Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No