Care for a Nandina Bush

Plant nandina in areas with plenty of bright sunlight. These are full- to part-sun plants, meaning they require at least four hours of direct sunlight each day, though they can handle up to eight hours. Choose a sunny spot in your yard to grow nandina, or move container nandina to a sunny location for at least four hours each day.

Plant nandina in sandy or clay soil. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as nandina will not tolerate standing water. Make the soil very rich by working in organic fertilizer, such as compost, peat moss and well-rotted manure. Provide a layer of mulch atop the soil to prevent weeds and keep in moisture.

Water nandina regularly, maintaining a moist soil for best growth results. Though a moist soil is the most effective, nandina adapts well to moist, average and dry conditions. Examine the soil. If it appears too dry, insert your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry there, water your nandina.

Fertilize the nandina seasonally using a fertilizer suitable for Rhododendron plants. The fertilizer may be liquid or granular and should be rich in phosphorus, calcium and iron. Apply the fertilizer to the plant from February to June, diluting it well with water.

Prune your nandina in the spring, removing weak growth and dying growth near the bottom. Do not prune to achieve a specific plant shape. Instead, allow the nandina to achieve its own shape naturally. You should remove about one-third of the plant's wooded areas during spring pruning.

Check your plant for signs of pests like worms, flies and scale, and diseases, such as bacterial leaf scorch or viral nandina disease. Misshapen leaves, dried or scorched leaves, dropped leaves, wilting plant, drooping plant and holes or marks on the plant indicate disease or pest problems. If pests and disease are identified, treat immediately using a product formulated specifically for the type of problem your plant is experiencing. Follow the instructions on the product label exactly for the best results.