Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a shrub that is native to our Mid-Atlantic area and throughout the southeastern United States, Beautyberry adapts well to various growing conditions from part shade to full sun, from moist soil to dry. It reaches 4-6 feet in height and width.
The shrub itself is a bit awkward in growth habit -- throwing out a long branch here, than there. Careful placement is a must so that you can both enjoy the berries and not be constantly fighting its wayward limbs. I planted mine to the back corner of a garden bench near a fence and that allows me to drape and arrange it as needed. In early spring, you should do a rejuvenation pruning -- meaning cut it all back to about 6".
 |
| Beautyberry in flower |
The shrub is famous for its amethyst-purple berries. Recent introductions also include white and pink berry versions. There is a small trial garden at the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC, that is worth visiting this time of year to view the different cultivars and to decide which ones you'd like to add to your home garden.
All who are involved with You Can Grow That! (YCGT!) believe that plants and gardening
enhance our quality of life. We want people to be successful with what
they grow and to become more aware of the many gifts that horticulture
brings. Find out more at http://www.youcangrowthat.com/.
Do these grow well in containers? Or will they grow in containers? I don't have much space in the garden and yard but I need some of these for the fall berries for our migrating birds. Plus, I just really like their fall beauty.
ReplyDeleteModern Mia - I have not heard of anyone wintering them over in containers. I suspect they would not make it, but worth a gamble to experiment with it.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar question. I planted one a few years ago and it's now being crowded by nearby plants in my part-shade bed. Was thinking of transplanting it to a whiskey barrel on the deck where it would stay year round. Do you mean it might get too cold in the container over the winter? Thanks for clarifying!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful bush. I am waiting for mine to change to blue. This will be my first year to have the berries. Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - I don't think it will be too cold, but that it the roots will dry out too much in the winter winds, which containers are much more susceptible to dealing with.
ReplyDeleteKim - Thanks and hope your shrub is loaded with colorful, long-lasting berries :-)
I started a plant from a cutting and left it in its pot. It has been through two winters now. It's healthy. A bit small for its age - probably pot bound. But this does argue in favor of trying it as a container plant. You may find it outgrows the container quickly though.
ReplyDeleteThat is not a photo of C. americana. Most likely C. japonica. The former has larger leaves, and the berries are tighly wrapped around the stem, while they dangle on latter (as seen in the photo).
ReplyDelete