The Evergreen Shrub You Can Grow In Containers For Year-Round Color

Container gardening is becoming increasingly popular. From vegetables to flowers, and shrubs to trees, you can grow anything in containers. It can be simpler than in-ground gardening and is especially useful for people who have limited space. Also, container gardening gives you more control over the growing conditions of your plants. Does it get any better? Well, yes, if you could just find an evergreen shrub you can grow in containers for year-round color. That is where 'Lemon-Lime' nandina (Nandina domestica 'Lemon-Lime') shines. 

Despite what its common name, heavenly bamboo, might make you think, it is not actually a bamboo. Only reaching 3 to 4 feet in height, 'Lemon-Lime' nandina has been given this name because of its leaves and upright, cane-like stems, which sort of make it look like bamboo. It is one of those evergreen shrubs that make your landscaping look great all year round with a dynamic texture and a refreshing, limey green color that won't change hues, even in the winter. 

This plant is hardy from negative ten to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and can be grown anywhere in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. The best part? It is easy to care for and has good disease and pest resistance.

'Lemon Lime' Nandina is a versatile shrub. It goes perfectly in borders, cut flower arrangements, hedges, and containers. And if you are going to put it in a container, select the best option: A size #3 planter, which in volume is about four gallons and nearly a foot deep and wide. Also, make sure the planter has good drainage as nandinas thrive in well-drained soil. It has medium water needs, though, and once established, some drought resistance. But still, it performs best with consistent moisture and humus-rich soils. 

Although it has some shade tolerance, place it in full sun if you want its foliage to really show its colors. Also, fertilize every year in early spring and use a slow-release balanced fertilizer to boost the new growth. And despite being a fairly dense plant, pruning is not needed. However, if you want to keep it a bit small, it does respond well to pruning, and you can safely take off about 1/3 of its total height in mid- to late-spring. Just remember the "three D" rule to properly prune your plants if you want to keep your Nandina healthy and thriving. 

Lastly, if you want to take it out of the container and put it in the ground, you can do that too. Just dig a hole as big as the container itself, water the plant and fill the hole with water. Let it drain, put the plant in, cover it with soil, place some mulch on top, and you are good to go.