Nandina ‘Moon Bay’, also known as Sacred Bamboo, is a highly popular and versatile dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its year-round foliage and easy-care nature. It forms a dense, compact clump with an upright habit, reaching a height and width of about 1 metre. Its fine, almost fern-like leaves are a beautiful lime-green in spring and summer. As the weather cools, the foliage puts on a spectacular display, changing to brilliant tones of red, apricot, and deep burgundy, providing a striking splash of seasonal colour. Unlike traditional bamboo, this variety is non-invasive, making it a well-behaved choice for any garden. Small, white flowers may appear in summer, followed by clusters of red berries that are attractive to birds.
Caring Tips:
- Position: ‘Moon Bay’ thrives in a full sun to part shade position. The most intense and vibrant foliage colours develop when the plant receives plenty of direct sunlight.
- Soil and Watering: It is an extremely hardy plant that tolerates a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly during its establishment phase (the first 12 weeks), after which it becomes quite drought-tolerant.
- Maintenance: This is a low-maintenance plant that naturally holds a neat shape. Pruning is rarely necessary, but a light trim in late winter or early spring can help maintain its form and encourage new growth.
- Fertilising: A slow-release fertiliser can be applied in spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Usage:
Nandina ‘Moon Bay’ is an excellent choice for creating a colourful, low hedge or border. Its compact size and upright habit make it perfect for mass planting, adding a textured and colourful backdrop to garden beds. It also performs brilliantly as a feature plant in pots and containers on patios or balconies, and is a fantastic addition to rockeries and modern landscape designs.
