The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Purple beautyberry

Callicarpa dichotoma

kal-lee-KAR-pah dy-KOT-oh-mah Audio

Grown for its rows of lilac-violet, round, glossy, tiny fruit, purple beautyberry is a small, deciduous shrub native to China, Korea, and Japan. Its long, arching branches often touch the ground, giving it an elegant shape. The small pink flowers in summer are followed by the small fruits that ripen in September and last through October. It has good yellow fall color as well.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsScores of berries in an unusual purple color. Attracts birds.

CareNeeds fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade. Prune annually, as buds begin to swell in early spring, to a low permanent framework. Plant in groups to assure good fruit set.

PropagationRoot softwood cuttings in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall.

ProblemsCottony camellia scale, die back, leaf scorch, black mildew, and fungal leaf spots occur.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Water Right PSH-100-MG-1PKRS 400 Series, 100-Foot, Olive Green

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Slim, lightweight design, is made with toxin-free polyurethane and utilizes industrial grade, lead-free fittings
- 3 Pounds
- 1200"L x 0.43"W
- Manufactured in the USA
Buy at Amazon

Morvat Heavy Duty Brass Y-Valve

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Instantly create two tap outlets with this ultra-durable Y hose splitter. The dual-valve design features built-in shut-off valves.
- Fitted with US Standard NH 3/4" threads for use with most water source fittings
- Screw the 2 way splitter adapter by hand or wrench with the updated hexagonal top connection. The 360° rotatable swivel connection attaches to any water source.
Buy at Amazon

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Large and clear dial, including ten scales, plug and read
- Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you'll get the test result instantly
- Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn't dig up too much soil after test
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Callicarpa
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Characteristics : Showy Fruit
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 219
All Gardens Have Teachable Moments | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 218
Gardening Against All Odds | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2024 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.