Nandina Gulf Stream – Compact Hardy Evergreen Garden Shrub

Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream' is a beautifully compact evergreen shrub, commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo. Prized for its striking, year-round foliage interest, the elegant lance-shaped leaves emerge with warm coppery-red tones in spring, mature to a rich blue-green through summer, and then transform into vivid shades of orange and fiery red during autumn and winter. This seasonal colour display makes Gulf Stream one of the most ornamental compact shrubs available for the UK garden.

With its neat, dense and bushy habit, Gulf Stream is an excellent choice for mixed borders, foundation planting, low informal hedging or container displays on patios and terraces. It requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally tidy shape, making it a superb low-maintenance option for gardeners of all experience levels. Small panicles of delicate white flowers may appear in summer, adding subtle charm to the foliage display.

This plant is supplied in a 3 litre pot, well-established and ready for planting out or potting on.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream'


• Common Names: Heavenly Bamboo, Gulf Stream Nandina


• Classification: Compact Evergreen Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 80–100 cm x 60–80 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Bushy, Upright Evergreen Shrub


• Perfect For: Borders, Containers, Foundation Planting, Low Hedging, Courtyard Gardens


• Flowering Time: Summer (small white flower panicles)


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Most Soil Types


• Hardiness: RHS H5 – Hardy to approximately -15°C


• Type: Hardy Compact Evergreen Shrub


• Foliage: Lance-Shaped Leaves; Coppery-Red in Spring, Blue-Green in Summer, Vivid Orange-Red in Autumn and Winter


• Pruning: Minimal Pruning Required; Trim Lightly in Spring if Needed to Maintain Shape

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sheltered or semi-sheltered position for the best foliage colour.


• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.


• Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.


• Foliage colour is most intense when planted in a position that receives good light, particularly morning sun.


• Suitable for growing in containers using a good quality, peat-free compost with adequate drainage.

Notes: This listing is for the Gulf Stream variety of Nandina, known for its particularly compact habit and outstanding seasonal foliage colour changes.