Nandina Domestica 'Blush'

Heavenly Bamboo 'Blush' / Sacred Bamboo 'Blush'

Botanical Name: Nandina domestica 'Blush'
Family: Berberidaceae
Origin: East Asia (China, Japan)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A compact, colour-forward nandina ideal for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. ‘Blush’ (AKA) keeps a naturally tidy mound with flushes of pink–red new growth through the warmer months, settling to lush green in summer and deepening to burgundy in winter. Perfect for low hedges, pots and courtyard accents where year-round foliage colour matters more than flowers.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1 m H × 0.6–1 m W (dense, compact habit)
• Growth Rate: 20-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, glossy leaflets; new growth vivid pink/red, maturing mid-green; cool-season burgundy and occasional bronze tints
• Flowers: Occasional small white panicles in late spring–early summer (lightly fragrant up close); rarely berries on this selection
  
• Seasonal Interest: Four-season foliage colour—spring pink flushes, summer green polish, autumn–winter burgundy
• Wildlife Value: Spring flowers may offer limited pollinator interest; fruiting is typically sparse
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant once established, Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy (light–moderate), Wind-Tolerant; Coastal-Tolerant in sheltered inner-coastal sites; Clay-Tolerant if well-drained
• Planting Density: Low hedge/edging: 3–4 plants per metre (25–35 cm apart). Mass: 3–4 plants/m² for a full carpet
• Pet Friendly: Use caution — foliage (and any berries) contain cyanogenic compounds; discourage chewing and dispose of prunings

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best colour in more sun)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer (weekly in heatwaves); monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Cane-prune every 2–3 years by removing a few oldest stems at ground level; light clip after spring flush if shaping; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20-30+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal Adelaide (sheltered)
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral is ideal with good drainage

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low, colourful hedge/edging for paths and courtyards in Adelaide—year-round foliage interest without heavy clipping
• Statement containers at entries—pair with liriope or dwarf grasses for texture contrast
• Mass plant in drifts to create a burgundy winter ribbon through Mediterranean-style borders

Why You Will Love It

‘Blush’ delivers reliable, low-fuss colour in South Australian gardens—multiple pink flushes in the growing season and rich winter reds without demanding space or constant pruning. It’s tidy, drought-wise once established, and perfect for giving Adelaide courtyards, paths and pots a polished, evergreen finish.