Plant field guide
Nandina (Gulf Stream)
A mid-sized nandina with elegant blue-green summer foliage that transforms to brilliant orange-red in fall and winter. Naturally dense and compact. Considered one of the best overall nandina varieties.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 30 in (76 cm) – 42 in (107 cm)
- Spread
- 24 in (61 cm) – 36 in (91 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 6–9; average annual extreme minimum from -10°F (-23.3°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Blue-green summer foliage is unique among nandinas. Excellent four-season interest. Dense habit means minimal pruning. May produce small berries. Deer resistant.
Pruning
Thin oldest canes at ground level every few years to maintain shape. Rarely needs formal pruning.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release
Early spring
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch.