Plant field guide
Nandina (Obsession)
A colorful compact nandina with bright red new growth that matures to green, then turns vivid red again in winter. Slightly larger than Firepower with more intense year-round color changes. Non-fruiting.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Nandina domestica 'Seika'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 24 in (61 cm) – 36 in (91 cm)
- Spread
- 18 in (46 cm) – 24 in (61 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.
Year-round color show without invasive berries. New growth flushes are especially vibrant red. Heat and humidity tolerant. Virtually maintenance-free once established.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Thin oldest canes at ground level if plant becomes leggy.
Fertilizer
Balanced slow-release
Early spring
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch.