When it comes to showy off-season plants, they seem to have the advantage of not having to compete much with their neighbors. When the word "evergreen" is mentioned, I tend to think of conifers and hollies with pretty berries. I can't think of many deciduous plants with berries but there are some hollies, like the possumhaw (Ilex decidua) and 'Sparkleberry' which I always wanted to grow but never have. And then there is this beautiful thing which seems to be in a class by itself.
Beautyberry brings a touch of elegance to the late fall and winter garden. The botanical name "Callicarpa" actually means "beautiful fruit". The berries can last up until January here in the Pacific Northwest as birds are not fond of them. The color of the berries (purple or magenta, whichever you prefer) are a conversation starter. And if you don't like purple (and I would ask - what is wrong with you?), then there are some varieties with white berries.
Other times of the year find the plant lackluster. There are delicate flowers in July (these mature into the berries so whatever you do, don't cut them off). The fall foliage is nice with hues of yellow or orange.
There are actually several types of this shrub but generally they share close characteristics. Callicarpa bodinieri (Chinese beautyberry) does best in our climate. Most of these shrubs need warm summer temperatures to develop a good berry crop but this performs well in cooler summer areas. The variety called 'Profusion', which is often seen in nurseries, grows upright and can reach 6 feet or more.
Beautyberry shrubs can be planted in groupings or as individual accent plants. For a good showcase of berries, give them a spot in full sun. They will, however, grow well in partial shade but the berries will not be as profuse.
This is an easy, fast-growing shrub and once it is established, it is drought tolerant. In late winter, it can be cut back. It is also good to cut the older stems completely down to the ground. It is late to leaf out in the spring.
I just transplanted mine and it seemed to have made the move with east. And yes, it was covered with berries and they did not seem to be phased.
The lovely specimen seen in the below photo isn't ours - it is on a neighboring street - and I do love the way it grows here, uncrowded by neighboring plants, unlike in our garden. Alas, I don't have the restraint for this.
Key Characteristics
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