Nandina

The genus Nandina (Nandina) belongs to the only small shrub evergreen species-Nandina domestica (Nandina domestica), up to 3 m high. Its most decorative double-or triple-feathered leaves, up to 40 cm long, light green in color. Young stems and leaves are reddish-brown at first, but later they turn green. Now there are varieties with constantly reddish leaves, as well as small-and variegated forms. Small white flowers, collected in panicles, bloom in June-July. Fruits - red (sometimes white) berries remain on the plant throughout the winter. There are various varieties, for example, 'Dwarf Birdnza' - very compact, the leaves of which initially have a yellow color. In the miniature variety "Fire Power", green leaves turn bright pink in summer, and in autumn they turn purple-red in color. Very small size 'Dwarf purple', the leaves of which have a more or less intense purple color. 'Richmond' is characterized by erect, unbranched stems covered with bright green (reddish in spring and autumn) leaves. A large number of white flowers and red fruits are formed. 'Dwarf Woods' - dwarf a variety with leaves with a golden tint, which in autumn acquire a reddish hue.

The genus Nandina (Nandina) belongs to the only small shrub evergreen species-Nandina domestica (Nandina domestica), up to 3 m high. Its most decorative double-or triple-feathered leaves, up to 40 cm long, light green in color. Young stems and leaves are reddish-brown at first, but later they turn green. Now there are varieties with constantly reddish leaves, as well as small-and variegated forms. Small white flowers, collected in panicles, bloom in June-July. Fruits - red (sometimes white) berries remain on the plant throughout the winter.

There are various varieties, for example, 'Dwarf Birdnza' - very compact, the leaves of which initially have a yellow color. In the miniature variety "Fire Power", green leaves turn bright pink in summer, and in autumn they turn purple-red in color. Very small size 'Dwarf purple', the leaves of which have a more or less intense purple color. 'Richmond' is characterized by erect, unbranched stems covered with bright green (reddish in spring and autumn) leaves. A large number of white flowers and red fruits are formed. 'Dwarf Woods' - dwarf a variety with leaves with a golden tint, which in autumn acquire a reddish hue.

Cultivation

Nandina is grown as an ornamental crop that preserves its foliage all year round. It feels best in the open ground, but it can also be grown in pots with a diameter of 30 cm or more in the fresh air. If the winter is cold, then the ground around the plants in the open ground must be covered with leaves, straw or peat, and potted plants should be removed to the house. They are planted on a permanent planting site in spring in fertile, rather moist, but well-drained soil, when planting, organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 3-4 kg/m2. When growing in pots, the mixture is made up for 2/3 of the fertile land and for 1/3 from peat with the addition of 20 g of complex mineral fertilizer per bucket. In spring and early summer, once every 15-20 days, a complex fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket.

Nandina is grown as an ornamental crop that preserves its foliage all year round. It feels best in the open ground, but it can also be grown in pots with a diameter of 30 cm or more in the fresh air.

If the winter is cold, then the ground around the plants in the open ground must be covered with leaves, straw or peat, and potted plants should be removed to the house. They are planted on a permanent planting site in spring in fertile, rather moist, but well-drained soil, when planting, organic fertilizers are applied at the rate of 3-4 kg/m2. When growing in pots, the mixture is made up for 2/3 of the fertile land and for 1/3 from peat with the addition of 20 g of complex mineral fertilizer per bucket. In spring and early summer, once every 15-20 days, a complex fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 15 g per bucket.

Location

Nandina prefers a bright place, without direct sun, but protected from cold winds. It is also suitable for partial shade and shade, but the foliage in this case will be less intense in color. The exception is the winter period.

Temperature

In winter, an air temperature of about 10 °C is required, with a maximum of 15 °C. The leaves are damaged if the temperature drops below 0 ° C, although in such cases the plants do not necessarily die, they form new leaves at the base. Young and potted plants should be protected from the cold, sheltered or put away in the house.

Watering

Maintain moderate substrate humidity at all times. Abundant watering is necessary in the summer, primarily during dry periods, as well as for potted plants. Never let the ground completely dry out.

Transplant

Young plants are transplanted annually in the spring, old ones are much less common. In the future, it is enough to replace the surface layer of the earth with a new one.

Care

When growing plants in pots, remove faded and damaged parts.

Reproduction

Semi-woody cuttings are rooted after treatment with growth stimulants at temperatures above 20 °C and high humidity. Rooting cuttings is a long process. Next fall, they are transplanted to fresh air, and in 2-3 years they are finally planted.

Diseases

Various fungi cause yellowish-brown and blackish spots on the leaves. They are disposed of with the help of zinc-containing fungicides. When grown in unsuitable soil, the roots soon begin to rot. It is urgently necessary to remove the affected plants. Nematodes cause wilting of plants, damage to the root system. You can avoid the appearance of these pests by placing plants (both in the open ground and when growing in pots) in a healthy, disinfected soil. And another tip-plant marigolds which will help to avoid infection with these pests.

Acquisition

Nandina is easily found in gardening centers and specialized nurseries. Choose small plants, they are easier to plant on the site. Larger specimens can also get sick as a result of transplanting.