I’ve had Flirt nandina in my garden for a couple of years now, and I’ve found them to be quite a charming addition. One of the main appeals of this variety is its compact size, typically staying around 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, which makes it particularly well-suited for containers or smaller garden spaces. The leaves have a lovely deep red hue that intensifies in the fall, which adds great seasonal interest.
When it comes to care, Flirt nandina prefers full sun to partial shade. Although it can handle full sun, if you live in a particularly hot climate, a bit of afternoon shade might help prevent the leaves from scorching. As for watering, it's fairly drought-tolerant once established, but you'll want to keep the soil moderately moist, especially when the plant is settling in or during dry spells.
Compared to other nandina varieties, Flirt tends to have minimal invasive issues since it’s a cultivar designed for garden friendliness, which is a real plus. In terms of container versus ground planting, both work well, but in a container, you have the added benefit of being able to move it around to catch the best sun and avoid harsh weather. Just make sure the pot has good drainage.
One thing to watch out for is that nandinas can occasionally be susceptible to root rot if they sit in waterlogged soil, so good drainage is key. Overall, I’ve found it to be a low-maintenance and rewarding plant to grow.