Nandina Domestica 'Lemon Lime'

Magical Lemon Lime / Lemon Lime Heavenly Bamboo

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

Overview

A compact, colour-brightening nandina that thrives in Adelaide and across South Australia. ‘Lemon Lime’ pushes luminous lime-green new growth that holds its fresh tone through summer and stays green (not red) in winter—perfect for lightening shady corners and modern plantings. Low-care, drought-smart once established, and ideal for borders, pots and neat low hedges.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (naturally compact mound)
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Lemon-lime to fresh mid-green; new growth bright chartreuse, settling to mid-green; in cool snaps may show soft bronze tints; does not develop red winter colour
• Flowers: Small, white panicles late spring–early summer; usually sparse on this selection; fruiting is rare
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round evergreen structure with lime spring flush → fresh summer green → clean winter foliage
• Wildlife Value: Limited pollinator value (occasional bees on spring flowers); rarely berries, so minimal bird interest
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy (light–moderate), Wind-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant (sheltered), Clay-Tolerant if well-drained
• Planting Density: Low hedge/edging: 3–4 plants per metre (25–35 cm apart). Mass: 3–4 plants/m² for a full carpet
• Pet Friendly: Toxic to pets if eaten (leaves/berries contain cyanogenic compounds); discourage chewing and dispose of prunings

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best colour with good light; deeper shade = greener)
• 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); 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

• Bright edging/low hedge to lift paths and courtyards in Adelaide without heavy clipping
• Container accents at entries—pair with dark pots or purple foliage for contrast
• Mass plant in drifts through Mediterranean borders to thread a ribbon of lime colour year-round

Why You Will Love It

‘Lemon Lime’ gives instant brightness and tidy structure with almost no fuss—a perfect fit for South Australian water-wise gardens. Unlike many nandinas, it stays green rather than turning red, so it works with more palettes and planting styles. In Adelaide’s climate it’s reliable, compact and incredibly versatile for borders, pots and low hedges.