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Sunset Boulevard Nandina

Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard'

Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 20% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.
Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 20% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

This cultivar of N. domestica never reached its full potential in our trials. Though a striking red coloration was observed during the preceding winter, foliage was often discolored due to sun and stress in the deficit season. These plants also displayed a lack of vigor, with mean monthly scores of 3 or above occurring only 4 times for all treatments over the deficit season (Table 13a). Open House participants in the spring listed Sunset Boulevard as “too small to evaluate” while others were “still under-impressed with this plant” in the fall (Table 13b).  No difference was observed in growth measurements or aesthetic ratings between treatments. Based on its unacceptable Overall Appearance scores throughout the season on all treatments, we would not recommend planting Sunset Boulevard in the full sun in this region. Staff did install several plants in the 50% shade field to observe any differences that might occur. Although a full evaluation would be necessary for meaningful comparison, anecdotally plants in the shade were slightly larger, and possessed slightly higher foliage quality scores. It has been suggested and is possible that the small size of the stock we received may have been an indicator of weak plants, and a repeated trail with larger, sturdier stock might yield different results.

Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 80% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.
Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 80% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.

Basic Info

Submitted by: Star Roses & Plants
Trial Exposure: Sun
Year evaluated: 2018
Height & Width
(after 2 years):
9" x 7" - UC Davis
Reported Height & Width
(at maturity):
2-3' x 3'
WUCOLS plant type: P
Water Needs & WUCOLS Region:
Low - Region 2 
Mean Overall 
Appearance rating:
(1-5 Scale, 5 is highest)
2.5 - UC Davis 
Flowering Months
N/A - UC Davis

Growth and Quality Data

Click Here for Complete Data Set

Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 50% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.
Nandina domestica 'Sunset Boulevard' on 50% of ETo in September 2018. Photo: SK Reid.