Gulf Stream Nandina

Introduction

Nandina ‘Gulf Stream’ is a variety originated as a mutant in the cultivar, Nandina ‘Compacta’ found by Hines Horticulture Inc. The growth habit of ‘Gulf Stream’ is more upright or ascending compared to that of ‘Compacta’. ‘Gulf Stream is a dwarf variety that is very symmetrical and compact in it’s growth habit. It can reach 3-4’ tall with an equal spread. Spring flush is a bronze color, summer color is a deep blue green, while the fall color can range from orange to red with more intense colors occurring in colder weather. ‘Gulf Stream’ does not berry or sucker.

Use and Management

Nandina is a low maintenance shrub, requiring only one pruning each year to control plant height, if needed. The tallest canes should be trimmed to the ground or to different heights to encourage growth and to reduce the size. This will provide for more foliage toward the ground and promote a denser plant. This cultivar has brighter winter foliage and may be one of the best compact selections.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Soil Types/Tolerance: Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
• Foliage Color: Bronze in spring, to blue-green in summer, to orange-red in fall
• Uses: Border; mass planting; hedge, container or above-ground planter
• Additional Features: None
• Special Resistance: Deer, rabbits, seashore

Planting

• Available in 1, 3 or 5 gal containers.
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 18’, 24” to 36” OC
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.