Nandina Domestica 'Obsession'

Heavenly Bamboo 'Obsession' / Sacred Bamboo 'Obsession'

Botanical Name: Nandina domestica 'Obsession'
Family: Berberidaceae
Origin: East Asia (China, Japan)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact, colour-driven nandina that’s ideal for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Obsession’ pushes intense red new growth that holds its colour longer than most nandinas, settling to fresh mid-green in summer and deepening to burgundy in the cooler months. Naturally tight and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for borders, pots and neat low hedges where foliage colour—not flowers—does the heavy lifting.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.6–0.9 m W (dense, compact mound)
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Brilliant red new shoots → mid-green summer canopy → burgundy/bronze tints in autumn–winter; fine, lacy texture that clips cleanly
• Flowers: Small white panicles in late spring–early summer, typically sparse on this cultivar; berries are rare/uncommon
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage show—spring red flush, polished summer green, winter burgundy; minimal flowering
• Wildlife Value: Limited pollinator value (occasional bees on sparse bloom); berries seldom set, so low bird interest
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy (light–moderate), Wind-Tolerant; Coastal-Tolerant (sheltered inner-coastal sites); Clay-Tolerant if well-drained
• Planting Density: Low hedge/edging: 3–4 plants per metre (25–35 cm apart). Mass planting: 3–4 plants/m² for a full carpet
• Pet Friendly: Toxic if ingested (leaves/any berries contain cyanogenic compounds). Discourage chewing; bin prunings

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best colour with good light; deeper shade = greener foliage)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves); monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Cane-prune every 2–3 years (remove a few oldest stems at ground level) to renew; light clip after spring flush if shaping; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20-30+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal Adelaide (sheltered)
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral is ideal with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low, colourful hedge/edging for paths and courtyards in Adelaide—crisp form without heavy clipping
• Statement containers at front doors and patios—pair with dark pots or purple foliage for contrast
• Massed drifts through Mediterranean borders to create a winter-red ribbon of colour

Why You Will Love It

‘Obsession’ brings high-impact foliage colour with almost no fuss—perfect for South Australian water-wise gardens. Compact, reliable and easy to shape, it keeps borders and pots looking polished in Adelaide’s climate, providing vivid red flushes for months and rich winter tones without taking over the space.