Yes, it is likely nandina. You are misinformed if someone said they would be green in winter - just the opposite. Winter is the time that the red foliage is strongest.

I can't think of any other shrub that reliably turns color and keeps it all winter. Try to get one of the cultivars that does not have berries (the berries contribute to the invasiveness of this plant in the south).

Here is a link that might be useful: Nandina info at Clemson (including cultivar names)

Or nandina Harbour Dwarf.

GGG

Loropetalum will be a nice maroon-red color most of the year and have small pink blooms at times too but they do look dull in the winter. They don't have that vibrant color pop that nandina have in cooler weather. Most varieties also can get much bigger than 2 or 3 feet unless kept in check by pruning so if you're needing a compact shrub nandina would probably be a good choice.

Danielle

I have a Nandina Gulfstream. it has been extremely red all winter! it doesnt get berries.

Another option might be azalea -- some species have reddish leaves (although not as bright as nandina).

Red-twig dogwood would have red stems all winter (but no leaves).

you could add perennials and have a "red bed" like the poster linked here...

Here is a link that might be useful: red bed

Some are redder than others.The foliage turns purple in hot midsummer sun. There is a green leafed, white flowering cultivar as well.
Nell

That's undoubtedly nandina, and probably firepower. Our builder put them in and they're BRIGHT red right now. Great contrast to all the evergreen shrubs. Pretty hardy too.