Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo - 2 Gallon
- Compact evergreen shrub with color-shifting foliage—scarlet new growth, blue-green summer leaves, and fiery red fall tones.
- Hardy and trouble-free, ideal for foundations, mixed borders, and tidy accent plantings.
- Small white flowers appear from spring into summer for a soft seasonal touch.
- Waterwise once established and tolerant of urban conditions; easy to keep dense with simple annual pruning.
Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’) is a compact, evergreen shrub loved for its vibrant, ever-changing foliage and easy-care nature. New leaves emerge a vivid scarlet red in spring, mature to a cool blue-green in summer, and then intensify to rich red tones as autumn temperatures arrive—bringing multi-season color without constant upkeep. From spring into summer, small white flowers add a subtle bloom accent. Reaching about 3 feet tall and wide, Gulf Stream is a perfect choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, low hedges, and containers where you want reliable structure with standout color. Plant in full sun to partial sun in well-drained soil, water when the top of the soil dries, and enjoy a polished look all year long.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’
- Common name: Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo
- Plant type: Evergreen shrub
- USDA Zones: 6–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Mature size: About 3 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Ever-changing foliage color for multi-season interest.
- Compact, tidy habit—great for small spaces and foundation beds.
- Easy care and waterwise once established.
- Tolerates urban conditions and stays attractive with simple pruning.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Moderate growing; reaches about 3 ft. tall and wide
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Overall form: Compact, clean silhouette that layers well with other shrubs
This is a “just-right” shrub for tight planting areas—big enough to anchor a bed, small enough to stay manageable.
Foliage Color Through the Seasons
- Spring: New growth emerges scarlet red
- Summer: Mature foliage becomes blue-green
- Fall & cool weather: Intense red tones develop
- Evergreen: Yes
If you want reliable color without relying on flowers, Gulf Stream delivers—season after season.
Flowers & Bloom Season
- Bloom time: Spring to summer
- Flower color: White
- Flower style: Small, light blooms that complement the foliage
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
More sun generally brings stronger color, while partial sun can be helpful in hot areas or bright exposures.
Watering
- When to water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry
- First growing season: Water deeply and regularly to establish a strong root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates mild drought
Soil & Planting Tips
Gulf Stream is easily grown in average, well-drained soil.
- Choose a site with good drainage—avoid soggy low spots.
- Amend with compost if your soil is very sandy or heavy to improve structure.
- Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cooler in summer.
Feeding & Easy Care
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Bonus: Improved pest and disease resistance
A simple spring feed and consistent watering while establishing are usually all it takes for a strong, colorful plant.
Pruning & Shaping
- Pruning tip: Prune back about 1/3 of the stems annually to promote dense spring growth
- Timing: Late winter to early spring is a great window for shaping
- Goal: Keep plants full, fresh, and compact
This light annual refresh helps encourage new, colorful growth and a neatly filled-in look.
Where to Use It
- Landscape uses: Border, container, hedge, poolside
- Perfect for: Foundations, mixed shrub borders, low hedges, and modern courtyard plantings
- Design tip: Repeat in groups of 3–5 for a stronger, cohesive color effect
Problem-Solving Benefits
- Waterwise: Yes (once established)
- Urban tolerance: Tolerates urban pollution
- Rabbit resistant: Yes
Companion Plant Ideas
Gulf Stream’s shifting reds and blue-greens pair beautifully with a mix of textures and evergreen structure. Try it with:
- Kohuhu (Pittosporum)
- Roses (Rosa)
- Creeping juniper (Juniperus)
- Cryptomeria
- Abelia
- Compact evergreen shrub with color-shifting foliage—scarlet new growth, blue-green summer leaves, and fiery red fall tones.
- Hardy and trouble-free, ideal for foundations, mixed borders, and tidy accent plantings.
- Small white flowers appear from spring into summer for a soft seasonal touch.
- Waterwise once established and tolerant of urban conditions; easy to keep dense with simple annual pruning.
Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’) is a compact, evergreen shrub loved for its vibrant, ever-changing foliage and easy-care nature. New leaves emerge a vivid scarlet red in spring, mature to a cool blue-green in summer, and then intensify to rich red tones as autumn temperatures arrive—bringing multi-season color without constant upkeep. From spring into summer, small white flowers add a subtle bloom accent. Reaching about 3 feet tall and wide, Gulf Stream is a perfect choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, low hedges, and containers where you want reliable structure with standout color. Plant in full sun to partial sun in well-drained soil, water when the top of the soil dries, and enjoy a polished look all year long.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’
- Common name: Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo
- Plant type: Evergreen shrub
- USDA Zones: 6–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Mature size: About 3 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Ever-changing foliage color for multi-season interest.
- Compact, tidy habit—great for small spaces and foundation beds.
- Easy care and waterwise once established.
- Tolerates urban conditions and stays attractive with simple pruning.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Moderate growing; reaches about 3 ft. tall and wide
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Overall form: Compact, clean silhouette that layers well with other shrubs
This is a “just-right” shrub for tight planting areas—big enough to anchor a bed, small enough to stay manageable.
Foliage Color Through the Seasons
- Spring: New growth emerges scarlet red
- Summer: Mature foliage becomes blue-green
- Fall & cool weather: Intense red tones develop
- Evergreen: Yes
If you want reliable color without relying on flowers, Gulf Stream delivers—season after season.
Flowers & Bloom Season
- Bloom time: Spring to summer
- Flower color: White
- Flower style: Small, light blooms that complement the foliage
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
More sun generally brings stronger color, while partial sun can be helpful in hot areas or bright exposures.
Watering
- When to water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry
- First growing season: Water deeply and regularly to establish a strong root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates mild drought
Soil & Planting Tips
Gulf Stream is easily grown in average, well-drained soil.
- Choose a site with good drainage—avoid soggy low spots.
- Amend with compost if your soil is very sandy or heavy to improve structure.
- Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cooler in summer.
Feeding & Easy Care
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Bonus: Improved pest and disease resistance
A simple spring feed and consistent watering while establishing are usually all it takes for a strong, colorful plant.
Pruning & Shaping
- Pruning tip: Prune back about 1/3 of the stems annually to promote dense spring growth
- Timing: Late winter to early spring is a great window for shaping
- Goal: Keep plants full, fresh, and compact
This light annual refresh helps encourage new, colorful growth and a neatly filled-in look.
Where to Use It
- Landscape uses: Border, container, hedge, poolside
- Perfect for: Foundations, mixed shrub borders, low hedges, and modern courtyard plantings
- Design tip: Repeat in groups of 3–5 for a stronger, cohesive color effect
Problem-Solving Benefits
- Waterwise: Yes (once established)
- Urban tolerance: Tolerates urban pollution
- Rabbit resistant: Yes
Companion Plant Ideas
Gulf Stream’s shifting reds and blue-greens pair beautifully with a mix of textures and evergreen structure. Try it with:
- Kohuhu (Pittosporum)
- Roses (Rosa)
- Creeping juniper (Juniperus)
- Cryptomeria
- Abelia