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How to Plant a Dwarf Nandina Firepower

The dwarf nandina 'Firepower' (Nandina domestica 'Firepower') is a dwarf variety of nandina, also called heavenly bamboo, that only grows to 2 feet tall and wide. It is slow-growing and widely used in commercial and home landscapes because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. The outstanding feature is the bright red and orange colors displayed by the leaves in fall and winter. Dwarf nandina 'Firepower' is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10.

Locate a place in the landscape to plant the dwarf nandina 'Firepower' plant. When choosing a location, keep in mind the mature height is only 2 feet tall and plants are spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. The location should have exposure to at least four hours of sun each day. The more sun exposure the plants have, the more vivid the fall color of the leaves. Dwarf nandina 'Firepower' is attractive as a single specimen plant, in groups of three to seven plants or planted in borders. The soil must be well-drained. Nandina cannot survive when planted in waterlogged soil.

  • Locate a place in the landscape to plant the dwarf nandina 'Firepower' plant.
  • When choosing a location, keep in mind the mature height is only 2 feet tall and plants are spaced 2 to 3 feet apart.

Clear the planting area of all vegetation. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root base of the plant and deep enough the plant will be planted at the same level it is planted in the container.

Tap on the side of the planting container to loosen the roots of the plant so it will slide easily from the container. Lay the container on its side and gently slide the dwarf nandina from the container. Pick up the plant by the root base and place it into the planting hole. Do not handle the plant by the brittle trunk, which can easily break from rough handling.

Add soil around the roots of the dwarf nandina plant. Slowly add water to the soil as it is added to the planting hole to prevent the formation of air pockets around the plant. Lightly firm the soil around the plant.

  • Clear the planting area of all vegetation.
  • Slowly add water to the soil as it is added to the planting hole to prevent the formation of air pockets around the plant.

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant, extending the mulch layer outward 12 inches from the plant. Mulch helps prevent weeds, conserves moisture and protects the roots from temperature extremes.

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