Nandina domestica 'Light Red'

Description: Nandina domestica 'Light Red' is a compact, upright evergreen shrub prized for its exceptional year-round foliage colour and elegant, bamboo-like architectural form. New growth emerges in striking shades of light red and copper, gradually maturing to soft green during summer before flushing back to vivid reds and oranges as temperatures cool in autumn and winter. This colour transformation is particularly pronounced in South England's cooler months and benefits from good light exposure. During early summer, delicate panicles of small white flowers appear, followed by clusters of bright red berries that persist into winter, providing valuable food for garden birds and wildlife. The layered, finely-textured foliage creates a graceful, sculptural presence that complements both modern minimalist and traditional cottage garden designs. Nandina 'Light Red' is exceptionally low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning beyond occasional shaping. It thrives in most well-drained soils, including the chalk-based conditions common across South England, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade, though richer autumn colour develops in sunnier positions.

Other benefits: evergreen, borders, containers, low-hedging

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 0.9m

Position: full sun to partial shade

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -10°C