The Shrub With Stunning Foliage That Changes Every Season You Can Grow In Containers

The way the natural world changes throughout the seasons is a wonderful thing to witness. From the flowers of certain trees and shrubs giving way to bright red berries in the fall to the masses of new buds appearing in the spring, every season gives us a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and admire its beauty. One brilliant shrub that has dramatic changes through the seasons is the Blush Pink nandina (Nandina domestica 'AKA'). At around 2 ½ feet in height with a spread of up to 3 feet, you can use it among your flower and plant combinations to create a dynamic container garden that will brighten your yard, porch, and patio. 

The color show of the Blush Pink nandina begins in spring, when leaves in a warm, light pink hue begin to appear. Then, these beautiful leaves will fade to a glossy dark green color in the summer and fall, with new pink leaves reaching out on top of the foliage. In the winter, the foliage of the Blush Pink nandina takes on a rich red shade, mirroring the festivities of the season. 

Blush Pink nandina is a relatively low-maintenance shrub that can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. However, it will not stay evergreen in zone 6. When selecting a container for planting your Blush Pink nandina, make sure that you pick one that is big enough for it to reach maturity. These shrubs need good drainage, so add holes at the bottom or the sides of the container if it does not have any. Use rich soil for your Blush Pink nandina, and water deeply once you have planted it into the container. Then, place it in either full sun or partial shade. 

In terms of ongoing care, your Blush Pink nandina does enjoy frequent watering. These shrubs are generally tolerant of drought once they have settled in, but it is best to check the soil regularly and water when the top 2 inches are dry. Under-watering is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with a container garden, as plants in containers often need to be watered more regularly than those in garden beds, especially in the warm, summer months. Give your Blush Pink nandina fertilizer every year in spring, using an acidic feed. You don't need to prune this shrub to maintain its shape; it will naturally stay compact and tidy. With just a little bit of care, water, and feed, this can be one of many beautiful plants to add curb appeal and keep your yard interesting and bright throughout the seasons.