Callicarpa dichotoma

RHS Plant Profile
purple beautyberry
purple beautyberry RHS

Synonyms

Callicarpa purpurea
Callicarpa koreana hort.

Shrubs

A dense, upright shrub with bright green, oval leaves with serrated edges. Pale pink flowers appear in clusters at the base of the leaves in summer, followed by bright purple berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
China, Korea, N. Taiwan

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)