Nana Purpurea Heavenly Bamboo | Purple-Red Dwarf Evergreen Shrub

Dwarf Purple Heavenly Bamboo

1 Gallon

$16.90

Dwarf Purple Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Nana Purpurea'

A compact dwarf Nandina with rich purple-red winter foliage and occasional bright berries.

$16.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Nana Purpurea is a charming dwarf selection of Heavenly Bamboo, prized for its compact size and richly colored, purple-tinged foliage. This low-growing, dense shrub forms a tidy mound of finely textured, bamboo-like leaves that emerge with purple overtones, mature to an attractive blue-green or purple-green, and intensify to deep burgundy and purple-red in the cool months of autumn and winter. Unlike many Nandinas, this variety may produce small white flowers in spring followed by occasional bright red berries, adding an extra layer of seasonal interest. Tough, adaptable, and low-maintenance, it is an excellent choice for adding reliable year-round color and texture to small gardens, borders, and containers.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Fine-textured, compound leaves with lance-shaped leaflets; foliage emerges with purple tints, matures to blue-green or purple-green, and turns deep burgundy to purple-red in fall and winter; occasional small white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries
Mature Height: 2-3 ft
Mature Spread: 2-3 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-11; Sunset 4-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade; best purple color in full sun
Core Benefits: Rich purple-red winter foliage, compact dwarf habit, deer resistant, drought tolerant, low maintenance, occasional ornamental berries
Best Uses: Low hedges, border edging, foundation plantings, mass plantings, containers, small gardens, year-round color accents

Q: How does 'Nana Purpurea' differ from other dwarf Nandinas like 'Moon Bay'?
A: While both are compact (2-3 ft), 'Nana Purpurea' is distinguished by its consistent purple-tinged foliage throughout the growing season, intensifying to deep burgundy in winter. It also may produce occasional red berries, whereas 'Moon Bay' is largely sterile. 'Moon Bay' typically has brighter lime-green new growth and a broader spectrum of fall colors including orange and pink .

Q: How much sun does it need for the best purple color?
A: For the most intense purple-red winter coloration, plant 'Nana Purpurea' in full sun. In shadier locations, the foliage will be predominantly green with less dramatic purple tones .

Q: Are the berries toxic to birds or pets?
A: Yes, all parts of Nandina, including the berries, contain cyanogenic glycosides and are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. While the berries are attractive to birds, they should be planted with caution where pets or small children may be tempted to eat them .

Q: How should I prune it?
A: 'Nana Purpurea' requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact habit. If needed, prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or wayward stems. To rejuvenate an older plant, cut a few of the oldest stems to the ground to encourage fresh new growth .

Q: Is it considered invasive?
A: While standard Nandina can be invasive in some regions due to seed spread, 'Nana Purpurea' is a dwarf cultivar that produces fewer berries than the species, reducing its invasive potential. However, it may still self-seed occasionally in ideal conditions .