Nandina 'Blush Pink'
Nandina ‘Blush Pink’ is a beautiful, compact cultivar of the popular Nandina domestica, known for its vibrant, colorful foliage. This shrub has an upright, bushy form, growing to about 2–3 feet in height and 2–3 feet in width. Its new growth emerges with a lovely pinkish hue that deepens to soft red and orange shades as the season progresses. The striking, colorful foliage adds a soft, ornamental touch to garden beds, containers, and foundation plantings.
In late spring to early summer, ‘Blush Pink’ produces small, creamy-white flowers in delicate clusters, which are followed by attractive red berries in the fall. These berries can last through the winter, offering additional visual interest and attracting birds, which are drawn to their color. The plant’s ability to maintain its beauty through multiple seasons makes it a year-round highlight in the garden.
A low-maintenance and adaptable shrub, Nandina ‘Blush Pink’ thrives in a wide range of conditions. It tolerates both sun and partial shade, with the best coloration occurring in areas with full sun. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens, while its pest and disease resistance add to its ease of care.
Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil and either full sun or partial shade. While it will tolerate some shade, the most vibrant colors are achieved when planted in full sun. Space plants about 2 feet apart to allow for their mature spread.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. Once established, ‘Blush Pink’ is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. During dry spells, water deeply to encourage better growth and berry production, but avoid overwatering.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged growth. Nandina ‘Blush Pink’ maintains a neat shape naturally, so pruning is primarily for tidying up or controlling size. You can also trim spent flower clusters after blooming for a cleaner appearance.
Pest Control: This Nandina variety is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant. Deer and rabbits typically avoid it due to its slightly bitter foliage.
Soil Tips: ‘Blush Pink’ is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil and will thrive in both dry and moist conditions. Adding mulch around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
