Abstract
A 24-month experiment was conducted to study the effects of shading levels on the foliage color changes in Fire Power Nandinas. This popular ornamental shrub is the dwarf form of the Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina domestica. It originated in New Zealand, and has vivid green leaf color in the spring and summer months that changes to a fluorescent red as winter approaches. In this experiment light was limited by covering the plots with black woven shadecloth of 43% and 78% shade, while allowing the control plots to receive full sunlight. Fifteen shrubs from each plot were randomly selected and 10 leaves per plant in each treatment were taken at 28-day intervals. The leaf color was recorded using a camera attached to a microscope. The results from this study indicate that changes in leaf color may be affected by the change of the seasons. The level of light/shade that the plants receive may also affect leaf color. The control group turned a bright fluorescent red, the 43% shade turned a deep red, and the 78% shade remained a deep green with few leaves turning red. Based on the different hues observed, this research indicates that limiting light has a direct effect on leaf color in this species. The correlation between the amount of sunlight received and the season of the year are the two factors that determine the degree of color change in this ornamental shrub.
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