Purple Passion Nandina Nandina domestica 'Plum Passion'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- nan-DEE-nuh doh-MESS-tik-a
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
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N. domestica is a commonly cultivated, ornamental, upright evergreen shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). 'Plum Passion' is a rounded cultivar with deep purplish-red leaves when in new growth, turning deep green in summer and rich reddish-purple in fall and winter. Fruits may not form, especially on solitary shrubs, as cross-pollination is needed. All in all, 'Plum Passion' is a spectacular and unique addition to the garden.
'Plum Passion' prefers moist, well-drained soils. Water regularly for the first year and, once established, reduce frequency. Tolerates mild drought. 'Plum Passion' may also be sold as 'Monum'.
The plant can be pruned, but keep in mind that next season's blossoms and fruit appear on new growth. It may develop suckers, reseed itself and occasionally naturalize. In rare instances, it has established dense stands in forest habitats. While it may not have fruit under certain conditions, the leaves and berries may be toxic when consumed in quantity.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
No known diseases or insect pests. Foliage may develop chlorosis in alkaline soils. Considered invasive in some areas.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Nandina
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Berberidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Distribution:
- North Carolina west to Texas.
- Wildlife Value:
- Leaves and berries are toxic to livestock and other domestic animals, this plant is particularly resistant to damage by deer. Berries contain cyanide and when consumed in quantity can be toxic to birds.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Weed
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Red berries that can persist into the winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Size:
- > 6 inches
- Flower Description:
- White flowers in panicles 8 to 12 inches long bloom in late spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Alternate, bi- to tri-pinnately compound leaves; new growth is purple.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Meadow
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Water Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Poor Soil
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
- Poisonous to Humans
- Weedy
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- Hydrogen cyanide is highly poisonous if ingested in quantity. All parts are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, livestock, horses, and birds such as the Cedar Waxwing. Weakness, incoordination, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death can occur from ingestion.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Stems
