Callicarpa americana
beautyberry
A bushy, deciduous open and arching shrub grown for the freely-fruiting clusters of purplish-mauve to magenta berries are borne along the stems during autumn and often into winter. The elliptical to ovate leaves have serrated margins and the undersides may be covered with woolly hairs. The stems are slender and grey to reddish-brown. In late spring to early summer, inconspicuous flowers of violet, pink, or white are arranged in clusters from the leaf axils
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Pink Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Callicarpa can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, with simple, opposite leaves and tiny white pink or purple flowers in axillary clusters, followed by small, usually colourful fruits. Several shrubs grown together ensures pollination for successful fruiting
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S US, W Indies
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or spring or propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning Group 2
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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