Purple Beautyberry

Callicarpa dichotoma (kal-ee-KAR-puh dy-KOH-toh-mah)

Family: Lamiaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Purple beautyberry, in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, is a small rounded, compact, deciduous, woody shrub with showy, ornamental fruits that may last long after the shrub has dropped its leaves for winter. It is a native of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The genus, Callicarpa , is Greek and means beautiful fruit. The species, dichotoma , means forked in pairs. The shrub has been introduced in the United States and Taiwan, but it is not widely available. Purple beautyberry is easy to grow and low maintenance. It is typically 2 to 4 feet tall with a weeping effect that is common to other beautyberries preferring full sun to ensure plentiful fruit and flower production. The stems may become leggy if the shrub is planted in too much shade. Plant it in well draining soil and once it is established it will be quite drought tolerant. Clusters of pink to lavender flowers emerge in late spring and summer and clusters of lilac-violet berries ripen in September through October. Pruning may be performed in late winter or early spring, but keep in mind that flowers appear on new wood. Propagate this shrub through stem cuttings. Cultivars are available within this species. Depending on the selection, the berries may be white or purple in color, or the leaves may be variegated. Its leaves are smaller and closer together on the stems than the American beautyberry or Japanese beautyberry. When the shrub is planted in groups or masses, it improves cross-pollination and fruit production. The shrub attracts bees and butterflies for pollination. Birds and small mammals are attracted to the fruit, yet deer rarely bother this shrub. Since it is smaller, the purple beautyberry is a good specimen for a container or patio garden as well as a children’s garden or a cottage garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to leaf spot, stem diseases, and black mold. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 69 attributes.