Species

Nandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

6 other cultivars

shrub

Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica 'Aka'

The Story

Plant Bio

Nandina domestica is an evergreen shrub known for its fine-textured, bamboo-like foliage and multi-season interest. Despite its common name, it is not a true bamboo.

'Aka' (Blush Pink) is a compact, non-fruiting dwarf cultivar. Its new growth emerges a striking pinkish-red in spring, matures to lime green, and then blushes red again in fall and winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers four seasons of color, with pinkish-red new growth in spring, lime green summer foliage, and a return to blush pink and red in fall and winter. Its fine, lacy texture adds elegance to any planting.

Its compact, non-spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for small spaces, containers, or mass plantings. It is extremely tough, tolerating drought, heat, and a variety of soils with minimal care.

A key ecological benefit of 'Aka' and similar sterile cultivars is that they do not produce berries, preventing the spread into natural areas where the species form of Nandina domestica can be invasive.

SpeciesNandina domesticaHeavenly Bamboo

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

All parts toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade for best color.
Adapts to most well-drained soils; amend heavy clay if needed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill the hole, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
Water regularly for the first year; it is very drought tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

Provide full sun for the most intense red and pink foliage coloration throughout the year.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of sun for the most vibrant foliage color.
Water deeply during periods of extended drought.
Prune out old, non-productive canes at the base to rejuvenate.
Appreciate its low-maintenance, pest-free nature.

Don't

Do not overwater, as it can lead to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Avoid shearing the plant like a hedge; it ruins its natural, graceful form.
Do not worry about it spreading by seed; this cultivar is sterile.
Do not plant the berry-producing species where it is considered invasive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful low border plantingCompact foundation shrubVibrant accent in rock gardens

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo questions

What zones can Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo grow in?

Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo deer resistant?

Yes — Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo bloom?

Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo need full sun?

Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Aka Blush Pink Heavenly Bamboo handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.