Nantianzhu, also known as Tianzhu or Nandina, is a beautiful evergreen shrub native to China and Japan. It belongs to the family Otteridae and is widely appreciated for its ornamental value throughout the year. This plant features an upright growth habit with few branches, and young stems often display a striking red color, while older ones turn brown. Its leaves are opposite, typically 2-3 times pinnate, with leathery, elliptical leaflets that have a pointed tip.
The plant produces terminal inflorescences of small white flowers in May and June, followed by spherical red berries that ripen from October to November. The roots are yellow and hard, making it a durable plant. Nantianzhu thrives in warm, humid environments and is shade-tolerant, though it can also withstand cold temperatures. It's easy to maintain, requiring well-drained, fertile sandy loam soil. While it doesn't need excessive water, regular watering helps keep it healthy. For fertilization, it benefits from higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, with liquid fertilizer applied once or twice a month during the growing season.
Pruning is essential to maintain its shape and health. After a few years, the lower branches may become bare, so trimming them back to about 15 cm from the base in April encourages new growth. By autumn, the plant can reach up to 1 meter in height, with a full, attractive crown.
Propagation is usually done through seeds or cuttings. Sowing can be done in winter or spring, and it takes about 3–4 years for the plant to grow to 50 cm and begin flowering. Cuttings taken from one-year-old branches (10–15 cm long) can be rooted in a sandy seedbed within 40–50 days. Spring and autumn are ideal times for transplanting, and the soil should remain moist without overwatering, especially during blooming to prevent flower drop.
Historically, Nantianzhu has been admired for its elegant appearance. Its tall, straight stems resemble bamboo, and its plumes are particularly striking in autumn and winter when the foliage turns red. The numerous colorful fruits on its spike-like inflorescence add to its visual appeal. A famous poem by Yang Yunzai from the Song Dynasty describes the beauty of its white flowers after summer rain, where the delicate, round blossoms bring relief from the heat and create a sense of peace.
In gardens, Nantianzhu is a versatile plant, offering green foliage in spring, white flowers in summer, and vibrant red fruits in autumn and winter. It’s a rare indoor plant that combines foliage, flowers, and fruit all year round. It is often planted in gardens or used as a potted plant, placed near entrances or inside halls. Its fruit-bearing branches are frequently used in floral arrangements alongside plum blossoms and pine branches, symbolizing the "Three Friends of Winter" in traditional Chinese culture. In landscape design, it complements hillsides, grassy areas, and azaleas, adding a touch of elegance to courtyards, garden edges, and pathways.
Protective Gloves,Insulated Welding Gloves,Safety Gloves,Electrical Gloves
Xuzhou Xinbaisheng Protective Equipnent Co., Ltd. , https://www.xinparkson.com