Nandina domestica
Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, is a versatile shrub that can take sun or shade. In our climate, it appreciates some shade in the afternoon. Growth rate is moderate up to eight feet tall, depending on the variety. ‘Fire Power’ is a nice small plant that only grows to about two feet high and wide and turns bright red in winter, as do most Nandinas. Clusters of white flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries on most varieties. Nandinas make good hedges or screens and will do well in pots. One variety, ‘Harbor Dwarf’, spreads by rhizomes and makes a good ground cover.