I think you have to do root cuttings with nandina. I'm not sure tip cuttings will work. Worth a try though. Let me know if it works.

I've wondered this too -- I've tried 3 different occassions to root some Nandina cuttings but they never work. I'd love to get more info about root cuttings if anyone knows how.

Sincerely, Danielle

I usually just remove and plant suckers or dig up seedlings.

From the link:
" The first challenge is timing � soft to semi-hard wood gives the best opportunity for rooting success. It worked out that mid to late July offered the growth stage I was looking for along with enough of this year's growth to get a sufficient number of cuttings...........cuttings were dipped in a rooting hormone"

Here is a link that might be useful: Scroll to Behind the Gate