Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Verbenaceae
Botanical Name
CALLICARPA dichotoma 'Early Amethyst'
Plant Common Name
Purple Beautyberry
General Description
The ever popular beautyberry, 'Early Amethyst', is an extra fruitful Arnold Arboretum introduction that boasts a tidy habit, beautifully arching branches and loads of colorful fruit. Summer clusters of pale lavender-pink flowers develop into masses of glossy amethyst berries in fall. The fruits tend to persist longer than average offering welcome, though limited, winter interest.
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 flowers appear and the base of each leaf petiole like soldiers in a row. Bees and butterflies are highly attracted to the blooms and the clusters of green berries that follow 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. Bright mixed shrub borders and foundation plantings are ideal locations for this highly landscape-worthy shrub.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
China, Japan, Korea
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Lavender
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Fruit Color
White, Purple, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
