Nandina Moon Bay is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Some tolerance for full shade, but foliage often grows best in sun with some afternoon shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers rich, moist, humusy ones. Best with consistent watering. Established plants have some drought tolerance. Best fruiting occurs when grown in groups. Single specimens may fruit poorly. This shrub is evergreen in the warm winter climates of zones 6-10.
This is a rhizomatous, upright, evergreen shrub that typically grows to 4-8’ tall and to 2-4’ wide. ‘Moon Bay’ is a globular free branching dwarf form with a compact habit that typically grows to 3′ tall and as wide. It is noted for producing 2-3 pinnate compound lime green leaves in spring and summer followed by brilliant red leaves in fall. Red fall color tends to be more intense in climates with cool fall temperatures. Where evergreen, the leaves usually retain excellent red color throughout winter. White flowers in panicles (8-15″ long) bloom in late spring. Blooming time is from May to June and blooming color is White. It can tolerate sun exposure from full sun to part shade.