Differences between Nandina domestica and Nandina domestica var. rubra
When strolling through Jiangnan gardens, one often encounters two species of shrubs with fluttering red leaves - Nandina domestica and Nandina domestica var. rubra. They are like twin sisters in the garden, often causing plant enthusiasts to struggle with identification. This article will guide you from plant classification to ornamental characteristics, systematically sorting out the subtle differences between these two red-leaf plants.
Botanical Classification and Origin
Basic Genus Differences
Nandina domestica belongs to the Berberidaceae family and the Nandina genus, with more than ten aliases, from "Tianzhuzi" to "Lanzhu," reflecting its cultural heritage. This evergreen shrub, native to East Asia, is especially common in the Yangtze River Valley, with a robust adaptability that allows it to grow even in rock crevices.
Nandina domestica var. rubra is actually a horticultural variety of Nandina domestica, with a relationship as subtle as that between roses and Chinese roses. Although they share the same genus and species, significant differentiation has occurred in their morphological characteristics, a result of long-term artificial cultivation.
Comparison of Morphological Characteristics
Differences in Plant Height
Differences between Nandina domestica and Nandina domestica var. rubra
Mature Nandina domestica can grow up to 3 meters in height, with sturdy stems similar to bamboo, often forming an umbrella-shaped canopy. In the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, centennial Nandina domestica can form a small tree landscape, especially spectacular when the red fruits are abundant in winter.
Nandina domestica var. rubra maintains a shrub form of 60-120 centimeters, with its dwarfing characteristics making it an ideal choice for garden landscaping. It is commonly used as a ground cover in gardens around West Lake in Hangzhou, with autumn red leaves able to spread into 2-meter square color blocks.
Growth Cycle Characteristics
Flowering and Fruiting Sequence Changes
The flowering period of Nandina domestica spans the entire spring (March to June), with pyramidal inflorescences reaching up to 30 centimeters, followed by berries that remain from May to early winter after the white flowers fade. The fruits show a gradient from green to red, with the characteristic of not falling even after frost, becoming a highlight of the winter garden.
The flowering and fruiting period of Nandina domestica var. rubra is concentrated in the summer and autumn seasons (May to October), with a more compact inflorescence. Its leaves start to turn red from midsummer and can reach a fully red state by late autumn, extending the red leaf viewing period by about 30 days compared to the original species.
Horticultural Application Scenarios
Nandina domestica, with its tall plant form, is often used as a main landscape tree or hedge in gardens; Nandina domestica var. rubra, on the other hand, is widely used in Japanese dry landscapes and rock gardens due to its colorful leaves. Both can be controlled in shape by pruning, but Nandina domestica var. rubra is more adaptable to pot cultivation.
After mastering these identification points, when encountering these two plants again, it is worth observing their plant height, touching the leaf texture, and recording the flowering and fruiting sequence. The subtle differences in nature are often the recognition codes set by the Creator.