Callicarpa dichotoma (Purple beautyberry)

Photo/Illustration: Melissa Buntin

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Botanical Name: Callicarpa dichotoma kal-lee-KAR-pah dy-KOT-oh-mah Common Name: Purple beautyberry Genus: Callicarpa

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 characteristics: Scores of berries in an unusual purple color. Attracts birds.
Care: Needs 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.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall.
Problems: Cottony camellia scale, die back, leaf scorch, black mildew, and fungal leaf spots occur.

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Photo/Illustration: Melissa Buntin

Photo/Illustration: Melissa Buntin

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