Lemon Lime Nandina

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(4+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 10

Lemon Lime Nandina brightens shaded beds with chartreuse new growth that matures to rich green. This compact evergreen shrub grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. The foliage stays in green and yellow-green tones instead of turning red, giving gardeners a fresh color option among nandinas. Our landscape designer uses this heavenly bamboo to lift a darker foundation planting with bright citrus tones.

This Southern Living selection was discovered in Virginia from open-pollinated seedlings of Nandina domestica 'Aurea'. Its short leaf internodes create a dense habit, and it rarely flowers or sets fruit, making it safer for birds and non-invasive. Lemon Lime Nandina is deer resistant, pest resistant, and low maintenance once established. Plant it as a border, low hedge, mass planting, container shrub, or evergreen accent near entries, patios, and shaded walkways.

Lemon Lime Nandina Care

Plant Lemon Lime Nandina in part sun to shade, with dappled light or morning sun supporting the brightest foliage. It adapts to clay, loam, sand, and average garden soil when drainage is reliable. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal, although it tolerates a broad pH range unless chlorosis appears.

Water deeply after planting, and keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season. Established plants tolerate dry spells, but they keep better foliage density with occasional deep watering during long summer heat. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer or a light compost topdressing. Mulch 1 to 2 inches deep over the root zone, leaving a small open ring around the stems.

Lemon Lime Nandina does not need pruning to stay compact. To encourage a flush of fresh chartreuse growth, selectively shorten stems by up to one-third in spring. Remove any winter-damaged stems as new growth begins, and protect container plants in colder zones from repeated freezing around the roots.

Lemon Lime Nandina Spacing

Space Lemon Lime Nandina 3 to 4 feet apart for a hedge, mass planting, or repeated foliage block. Use 4 feet apart when each plant should keep a rounded outline. For containers, choose a pot at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes, and water when the top 2 inches of mix feel dry.

In a shaded foundation bed, let Lemon Lime Nandina handle the mid-height color in front of camellia or hydrangeas for larger flowers and deeper foliage. Ferns and hellebores can cover the lower layer if the soil stays evenly moist and light is filtered. For container designs, use Lemon Lime Nandina as the evergreen center and add fuchsia or begonias around the rim for shade-friendly seasonal flowers.

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