beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
USDA zones6 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Lavender, pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Clusters of glossy purple berries hug the branches in fall and winter, and birds eat them. You can cut it to 12 inches above the base each winter for more compact growth, flowers, and fruit. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Oakleaf hydrangea, Switchgrass, Witch hazel, and Great blue lobelia.
Native range
Southeastern United States.