Nandina 'Blush Pink'
Nandina domestica 'Blush Pink'
“Purchased; planting unconfirmed at filming.”
Background
Sold as Nandina domestica 'Aka' (PP19916) under the trade name Blush Pink. Thin published background; Oregon State's landscape plant database describes it as a compact, mounding, non-flowering (hence low invasive-potential) form with bright pink and red foliage from fall through winter. The UA arboretum notes it is endemic to China and Japan.
Distinguishing traits
Compact mounding dwarf ~18-24 in tall and wide. Foliage shows bright pink and red tones from fall through winter over green; non-flowering habit means no berries and minimal invasive risk. A color accent for the front of beds and containers. The UA arboretum describes nandina as an evergreen shrub to about 8 feet with bamboo-like stalks, deep-green pinnate leaves that redden in cold, and showy clusters of red berries in fall.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Zones ~7a-9b per trade listings; hardy in 9b.
- Heat tolerance
- Heat tolerant; give afternoon shade in the desert to protect pink foliage.
- Water
- Low to moderate once established. The UA arboretum rates water use as high, noting it is not drought tolerant and is sensitive to dry or salty soils.
- Soil
- Well-drained, adaptable.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade. The UA arboretum recommends full sun to partial shade but cautions against over-exposure in very hot, sunny climates.