The Obsession Nandina from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a new and unusual variety of the classic Nandina domestica. The Obsession features unique scarlet-red young foliage and blue-green mature foliage. This unusual foliage brings tremendous texture and appeal to any landscape or container garden. The Obsession Nandina is particularly hardy and its naturally compact growth habit won’t require any extra pruning. Although, pruning in early spring is perfectly fine by gardener’s discretion, and can help assure consistent growth.
Expect this reliable shrub to max out at 3-4′ H x W. This contrasts with traditional nandinas that are known for getting tall and leggy. Naturally evergreen, the Obsession Nandina won’t leave your landscape barren once winter rolls around.
This Nandina is great for usage as a medium-height edge or border plant, and will really shine when planted with contrasting colored plants. Try planting this Southern Living plant with a brilliantly colored, low-growing plant. The Everillo Carex is a fantastic contrast candidate which features long grass-like, bright yellow-green foliage and contrasts beautifully with the Obsession’s bold foliage.
Alternatively, use the Obsession to soften hard edges in your landscape, whether that’s at the base of your home or around a birdbath.
Due to its low-maintenance nature, you may want to use a bunch of them as a mass planting in a location you don’t want to worry about maintaining, such as a slope.
Obsession Nandina Care Tips
The Obsession Nandina is hardy from USDA Zones 6-10. And can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to plant it in well-drained garden soil and fertilize in early spring for best results.
Whether in full sun or partial shade, the Obsession will thrive. With a medium water requirement once established, you’ll only need to water this shrub during times of extended drought.
Spacing Your Obsession NandinaÂ
Space Your Obsession Nandina 2 feet apart for a seamless planting. Otherwise, plant them 5+ feet apart to leave space between shrubs.
Anonymous –
Great specimens. Very healthy plants.
lj ritchey –
I have the “nandina heavenly bamboo”, then purchased the ” Obsession”@ a local nursery last year. I wanted another but could not find it locally. I found your site online & was thrilled. I purchased the 1 gallon size. It arrived very quickly in excellent condition. I will definitely keep this site for future purchases!
Richard D Mc Cabe –
I was impressed by the rapid delivery and good condition of the plant when it arrived. It also looked exactly like the picture.
Sharon C. –
Plants are healthy. Ordering by mail gave me a few days to get the area “ready to receive.” Healthy & Happy in their new home. With a plant “not yet” avail @ my local garden centers. Win. Win.
Cynthia Czornohus –
I was looking for something with striking fall color to place around my front door. I was incredibly pleased from the time I opened the boxes. They were very well packaged and I am happy to say that they look wonderful in their new containers by the front entrance! Thank you so very much!
sleeb5 (verified owner) –
Obsession nandina looks great and am excited to plant it!