How to Properly Prune, Shape & Fertilize a Nandina

PDF download Download Article
Maintain a gorgeous, low-maintenance shrub with this guide
PDF download Download Article

Nandina ( Nandina domestica ) is also known as "heavenly bamboo." Despite its name, it is not related to bamboo at all; it is actually a shrub with bamboo-like leaves. It gets white flowers in the spring, and bronze-tinted leaves in the winter. In the fall, it develops bright red berries. It is an aggressive grower, and without annual pruning, it can get unruly. Knowing how to properly prune a nandina will result in a healthy, gorgeous plant. [1]

1

Prune nandinas in mid to late winter.

PDF download Download Article
  1. While you can generally prune nandinas any time of the year, winter is the best time to prune. Not only is the plant dormant, but you can use the pruned stems in floral arrangements. The combination of bright green leaves and red berries is quite festive.
    • If you cannot prune the nandina during winter, you can prune it during early spring before the white flowers develop. If you cut those off, you won't get the berries! [2]
    • Use bypass pruning shears on shoots that are thinner than 3 ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm). You will then need to switch to lopping shears for thicker branches. Both tools must be sharp in order to reduce wounding. You can purchase these in a hardware store or in a garden supply shop.
    • Warning: Keep children and pet away from the nandina while pruning, as the leaves and berries are toxic to consume. Their bright colors can make them look appealing to children and pets who are curious or don't know any better. If you decide to bring the cuttings indoors to use in arrangements, be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
    2. Advertisement
2

Make cuts in a staggered, step-like formation.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a moment to look at your nandina and visualize where you want to cut. This will help keep you more organized in the future. The most visually-appealing formation for nandinas is the "stair-step" formation, where you cut the outer stems shorter than the central ones. It will also help with the formation of new shoots. [3]
3

Prune the oldest or weakest branches first.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Find the tallest, oldest branches on your nandina, and cut it down with your shears. Take a moment to locate any weak branches close to the ground, and cut them back as well. Do not prune more than a third of the stalks' lengths. [4]
    2. Advertisement
4

Cut the stems in one-third lengths for a fuller look.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Prune the oldest, longest stems to a third of their length. Cut the next couple of stems down to half their length. Trim the rest of the stems to a quarter of their original length.
    • Intermix cuts to give the bushes a fuller look.
    • If you are working on an older plant, prune one-third of the old growth.
5

Cut just above a branch or leaf node.

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will allow new shoots to grow and prevent the plant from looking too bare. If you prune too far down the stem, the plant will look spindly and unappealing.
    2. Advertisement

===Fertilize the nandina after pruning.===

  1. Fertilizing after pruning is recommended because it provides a needed dose of nutrients to the plant and helps it get ready for the upcoming growing season. Once you clear away the pruned stems and leaves, try to fertilize that same day, or within a couple of days.
6

Draw a ring around the plant.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Trace a 12 in (30 cm) ring around the base of the plant. You can trace the ring into the soil with a stick or with your finger. Keep the edges of the ring 6 inches (15 cm) away from the base of the plant. This will serve as a placement guide for the fertilizer. [5]
    2. Advertisement
7

Sprinkle a 10-30-10 granular fertilizer onto the traced ring.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Don't worry if a few grains end up inside or outside the ring. You do not have to get it directly into the groove formed by the stick or your finger. [6]
    • If you can't get a 10-30-10 granular fertilizer, a rhododendron or evergreen fertilizer will do just fine.
8

Water the fertilizer to a depth of 8 inches (20 cm).

PDF download Download Article
  1. This means that if you were to dig down 8 inches (20 cm), the soil will be wet. [7] If you do not water the plant deeply, then the fertilizer may damage the roots and kill it.
    • How much water you use depends on how dry your soil is and how fast it absorbs water.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If your tools are dirty, clean them with a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Nandina generally do not get pests or diseases, but if you spot any, be sure to take appropriate action immediately after pruning.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Many people find the combination of red berries and bright green leaves visually attractive. Instead of throwing away the cuttings, consider saving some of the nicer ones, and putting them into a vase
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • All parts of the nandina are toxic. Do not consume the leaves of berries. Keep them out of reach of children or pets.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Bypass pruning shears
      • Lopping shears
      • Hand pruners

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Start a Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to
      Plan, Prepare, and Plant a Garden
      How to
      Build a Lean to Shed
      6 Ways to Water Your Plants While You're on Vacation
      How to
      Prune a Schefflera Plant
      How to
      Prune Dracaena
      How to
      Prune a Tree
      How to
      Prune Ferns
      How to
      Prune a Magnolia Tree
      How to
      Prune a Mulberry Tree
      When and How to Prune Citrus Trees
      How & When to Prune Limelight Hydrangeas for Best Growth
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13428447/the-best-time-to-prune-nandinas
      2. ↑ http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/nandina-pruning-2/
      3. ↑ http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/nandina-pruning-2/
      4. ↑ http://www.thegardenhelper.com/nandina.html
      5. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13428447/the-best-time-to-prune-nandinas
      6. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13428447/the-best-time-to-prune-nandinas
      7. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/13428447/the-best-time-to-prune-nandinas

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 85,129 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Alana

        Nov 8, 2019

        "I had no clue how to prune and feed nandinas, so thank you."
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement