Southern Living Obsession Nandina - 3 Gallon

Southern Living® Obsession Nandina - Colorful Compact Evergreen Foundation Shrub | 3-4 ft, Single Plant

Experience dramatic seasonal color changes from bright green summer foliage to stunning red-orange winter display in this ultra-compact, low-maintenance evergreen. The Obsession Nandina is a dwarf, colorful evergreen shrub that delivers exceptional year-round interest with fine-textured foliage that transforms through brilliant seasonal color changes. This exceptional compact nandina has become a landscape designer's favorite for adding reliable seasonal color and fine texture to foundation plantings and border applications where space is limited. With its dramatic foliage color transitions from bright green in summer to intense red-orange in winter and naturally compact 2-3 foot mature size, the Obsession Nandina transforms ordinary landscape spaces into dynamic, colorful focal points. The dense, fine-textured growth habit and predictable small size create perfect foundation accents and container specimens while providing months of spectacular seasonal color interest. Unlike larger nandina varieties that can become leggy or overgrown, these compact colorful evergreens provide all the seasonal drama and fine texture benefits that actually intensify with cooler weather while maintaining perfect proportions.

Why You'll Love the Obsession Nandina

Spectacular Seasonal Color Drama: Fine-textured foliage transforms from bright green in summer to brilliant red-orange in winter, making this the perfect choice for adding dynamic seasonal interest and year-round color to compact spaces.

Ultra-Compact Performance: Plant 2-3 feet apart for mass plantings and they create colorful, textural displays without overwhelming small spaces. These dwarf nandinas have proven exceptional performance in foundation plantings and container applications.

Outstanding Cold Color Development: Thrives in USDA zones 6-10 with excellent cold tolerance that enhances winter color intensity. Once established, these evergreens demonstrate remarkable adaptability to various soil conditions and maintain vibrant color even in harsh winters.

Perfect Small-Space Solution: A ideal compact landscaping choice due to its naturally dwarf growth habit requiring no pruning and excellent deer resistance - perfect for modern landscapes requiring maximum color impact in minimal space with zero maintenance.

Obsession Nandina Details

• Botanical Name: Nandina domestica 'Obsession'
• Type: Compact evergreen ornamental shrub
• Mature Size: 2–3 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Slow — up to 3–6 inches per year
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained; highly adaptable to various soil types
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Highly adaptable to various soil conditions from sandy to clay-based soils with good drainage. However, well-draining soil produces optimal growth and most intense color development, while consistently wet conditions can reduce color intensity and cause root issues.

Light Requirements: Performs well in full sun to partial shade, with best color development in locations receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Optimal placement in full sun locations results in the most intense winter color and compact growth habit.

Hardiness: USDA zones 6-10, making it suitable for most temperate to subtropical climates across the United States, with excellent cold tolerance that actually enhances winter color development.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during establishment period, then occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Established plants are quite drought tolerant and actually develop better color with moderate water stress.

Pruning: Requires no pruning due to naturally compact, dense growth habit. Maintains perfect proportions without any intervention - one of the most maintenance-free landscape shrubs available.

Fertilizing: Generally requires no fertilization due to excellent adaptability. If desired, light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring, but avoid over-fertilizing which can reduce color intensity.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Obsession Nandina's versatility makes it suitable for: foundation plantings, border edging, mass plantings, container gardening, rock gardens, and small-space color accents.

Compact Color Excellence: Creates stunning seasonal color displays that fit perfectly in small spaces and foundation areas, unlike larger colorful shrubs that quickly outgrow their intended space while providing less reliable color performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Obsession Nandina for foundation plantings? Plant 2-3 feet apart for foundation use or mass plantings, or 3-4 feet apart for specimen use. The slow growth and compact nature allow for closer spacing without future overcrowding concerns.

When does Obsession Nandina develop its red color and how intense does it get? Color transformation typically begins in fall and peaks during winter months, with the most intense red-orange coloration occurring during coldest weather. Summer foliage remains attractive bright green.

Does Obsession Nandina require pruning and is it truly maintenance-free? No pruning is ever required due to its naturally compact, dense growth habit. It's one of the most truly maintenance-free landscape plants available, requiring only occasional watering once established.