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Verbenaceae
Callicarpa dichotoma 'Dark Star'
Dark Star Beautyberry, Purple Beautyberry
The unusually compact beautyberry, ‘Dark Star’, has lovely dark violet purple berries that persist into winter. Asian in origin, Callicarpa dichotoma is a compact to medium-sized deciduous shrub with an elegant, arching habit.Its elliptical green leaves line the stem opposite one another. In summer, clusters of lavender purple flowers appear at the base of each leaf petiole like soldiers in a row. Bees and butterflies are highly attracted to the blooms. Pollinated flowers become clusters of green berries that mature to vibrant violet-purple in fall.
Purple beautyberry flowers and fruits best in full to partial sun, though it will tolerate partial shade. It is fairly adaptable to different soil types, but fertile soil with good drainage is preferred. The natural habit of purple beautyberry is very pleasing, so never try to sculpt or shear this shrub. Just selectively prune back branches as needed. Fruiting and blooming occurs on new growth. It is well-suited for foundation plantings and mixes well with other ornamentals in spacious bold borders.
8 - 7
5 - 8
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
Summer
China, Japan, Korea
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Medium
Average Water
Spreading
Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Light Pink
White, Purple
Green
Purple, Yellow Green
Tan
No
Single
Yes
Matte
Smooth
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
Birds
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