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dwarf nandina varieties

If you’re looking to add structure, colour, and low-maintenance style to your New Zealand garden, dwarf nandina varieties are a perfect choice. Known for their compact size and fiery foliage, these small shrubs create maximum visual interest without taking up much space. Dwarf nandinas work beautifully as border plants, in pots, or as accents among perennials and evergreen shrubs. Their versatility and resilience make them a favourite with both new and experienced gardeners alike.

Nandina domestica 'Firepower' colourful shrub.

Nandina 'Firepower'

5 from 4 customers

Nandina 'Firepower', commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo, is an evergreen shrub with colourful foliage. The leaves are yellow-green in summer, then turn orange and red through autumn and winter as it grows to 80 cm tall and 60 cm wide. Nandina 'Firepower' is a tidy plant that is ideal for rock gardens, mass planting either as a groundcover or on a bank, maintained in a container, added to a border or mixed planting, or included anywhere vibrant colour is desired.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Nandina Obsession growing in a garden with red foliage.

Nandina Obsession

5 from 4 customers

Nandina 'Obsession' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth from spring through autumn is bright red and complements the older, dark green foliage beautifully. The red tones disappear as the foliage ages, but red tones will reappear through winter. This evergreen typically grows to 60 cm tall and the same width. Nandina 'Obsession' is a tidy plant, ideal for rock gardens, mass planting on a bank, container maintenance, adding to a border or mixed planting, or incorporating around outdoor living areas such as pools, or anywhere vibrant colour is desired.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

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Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

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Nandina 'Gulf Stream' plants with yellow-green foliage.

Nandina Gulf Stream

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth is bronze with orange tints and develops colours...

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Abutilon Lucky Lantern White

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A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$40.43
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

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Nandina 'Richmond' plants with vibrant, yellow-green foliage.

Nandina Richmond

Nandina domestica 'Richmond' is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage and impressive sprays of red berries. The leaves are dark green...

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Nandina 'Blush' shrubs with bright red foliage in a garden border.

Nandina Blush

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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

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Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

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Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

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Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.

Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

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Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani)

Hymenosporum flavum Gold Nugget is a shrub grown for its clusters of fragrant flowers through spring. The flowers emerge a cream colour, age to...

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Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

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Feijoa 'Bambina'

Feijoa 'Bambina' is a compact, dwarf variety perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers. It grows to around 1.5 m tall and wide, forming a...

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A Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' plant in a pot.

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White'

Pelargonium 'Dwarf White' is a compact and floriferous geranium that produces clusters of pure white blooms over a long flowering season. Its neat...

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Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

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Kniphofia Dwarf Orange (Torchlily)

Kniphofia Dwarf Orange is a variety of the commonly known, Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

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Apricot 'Garden Annie'

Apricot Garden Annie is a dwarf Apricot variety that is both ornamental and fruit bearing. The medium sized fruit in summer are golden yellow with a...

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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

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Nandina 'Firepower'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Apricot, Chionochloa, Cyperus, Feijoa, Hymenosporum, Juniperus, Kniphofia, Nandina, Pelargonium, Phormium, Pittosporum Sansevieria and Schefflera, or related Categories - Flaxes, Apricot Trees, Feijoa, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf nandina

Why Choose Dwarf Nandina Varieties?

Dwarf nandina varieties offer stunning year-round foliage in shades ranging from bronzy red to vivid green and gold. Their tidy, mounded growth habit makes them easy to place in formal and informal garden settings. They’re tolerant of a wide range of soils, require little pruning, and are generally pest- and disease-resistant—making them ideal for New Zealand conditions. These petite shrubs are also non-invasive and make attractive alternatives to more demanding hedging plants.

Popular Dwarf Nandina Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

There’s a dwarf nandina for every style, whether you’re after a subtle effect or a high-contrast splash of colour. Here are some outstanding options:

Nandina Little Flick

Nandina Little Flick is a true compact gem. Reaching just 60 centimetres tall, it offers neat, evergreen foliage that shifts from lime green in spring to rich scarlet during the cooler months. Perfect for edging paths, containers on your patio, or creating a low-maintenance formal border.

Nandina 'Pygmaea'

The graceful Nandina 'Pygmaea' is renowned for its bamboo-like leaves and compact appearance. It grows to about 50-60 centimetres and shines in mass plantings as ground cover or along walkways. The foliage delivers brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold as the seasons change.

Nandina Harbor Dwarf

Nandina Harbor Dwarf is beloved for its dense, lush form and attractive bluish-green foliage that turns purplish red in winter. This variety is well-suited to coastal and urban gardens where space is limited but year-round interest is a must.

Nandina 'Firepower'

Among the brightest dwarf nandina varieties, Nandina 'Firepower' stands out with its eye-catching red foliage, especially during autumn and winter. It stays compact, making it a favourite for containers, rockeries, or mixing with other hardy perennials.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

Dwarf nandina varieties are excellent for mixing with other easy-care perennials and low shrubs. Try pairing them with contrasting textures and flower colours for a lush, layered effect. For example, the strappy blue blooms of Agapanthus Charlotte (Charlotte Agapanthus) complement the fiery red tones of dwarf nandina foliage beautifully.

Use dwarf nandinas in mixed borders, lining steps, or grouping in mass plantings for a vibrant, artistic look. Their tidy shape also makes them ideal for low hedges or defining garden spaces without overpowering your landscape.

Add Dwarf Nandinas to Your Garden

With their easygoing nature, striking hues, and compact size, dwarf nandina varieties are the perfect addition to New Zealand gardens. Explore our full range to find the right variety for your style, and enjoy year-round beauty with minimal fuss.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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