Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
James Burghardt
Verbenaceae
CALLICARPA dichotoma 'Variegata'
Purple Beautyberry
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
The brightly colored purple beautyberry is one of the most desirable and interesting of berried shrubs. It is vigorous, easy to grow and adds rich color to the landscape. This native of Japan, China and Korea 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.
There are a number of pleasing cultivars available. Two notable selections are the purple-berried, early fruiting 'Issai' and large, white-fruited variety, albifructus.
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
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
Summer, Late Summer
China, Japan, Korea
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Arching/Fountain-shaped
Summer, Fall
Showy
Pink, Lavender
White, Purple, Violet
Green
Purple, Yellow Green
Tan
No
Single
Yes
Matte
Smooth
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
Birds
© 2006-2021 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
