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Key characteristics

Family: Berberidaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Young growth is bronze-red, maturing to green and gaining a reddish tone in cool weather
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate, low once established
Maintenance: Low; naturally compact with little pruning required
Growing zone: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Rarely produces berries, but if they appear, they should be removed as they are toxic to animals

Shrubs

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'

Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its ever-changing foliage. In spring, new leaves emerge with a vibrant scarlet-red hue, gradually maturing to blue-green during the summer months when small, delicate white flowers appear. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a dramatic display of intense red, adding seasonal interest. The plant retains its brilliant coloration well into winter, making it a year-round garden feature.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate, low once established

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Containers
Foundation Plantings

Companion plants

Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

Use ‘Gulf Stream’ in repeated groups along a foundation or border to create a consistent, low-growing framework. Pair it with dark green evergreens or other steady foliage colors so its shifts from bronze-red to green and back to red become the changing seasonal accent.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)