Last Updated on January 11, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Callicarpa, also known as the beautyberry, is a beautiful berry that bears dense clusters of small, jewel-like purple-blue berries against bare stems. Its dark green leaves turn golden and red before they fall. Callicarpa is a medium-sized shrub that looks great in a mixed border or as a specimen next to a path or window. These purple berries’ bare stems make a great addition to your autumn flower arrangements.
How To Grow Callicarpa
Callicarpa thrives when they’re grown in moist and well-drained soil that can be neutral to acidic soil, similar to ericaceous plants. They can grow in full sun or in partial shade. Add mulch yearly using well-rotted compost or manure. Lightly prune them in Spring.
Where to Grow Callicarpa
Callicarpa should be planted in a prominent spot, such as next to a bench or path that is also visible from your house. You should choose moist, but well-drained soil that is in full sun or partial shade. Callicarpa can tolerate some lime in the soil but its foliage would turn yellow under very alkaline conditions. So, a neutral soil to acidic is better.
Simple Advice To Plant Callicarpa
A generous hole to put the callicarpa should be dug with a depth that is the same as the original pot and water well after planting.
How To Propagate The Plant
In summer, propagate callicarpa by softwood cuttings. In Autumn, propagate callicarpa by semi-ripe cuttings.
How To Take Care of Callicarpa
You may need to plant several callicarpa depending on the variety you choose to ensure cross-pollination. For more information, refer to the planting label. To maintain the shape and size of your callicarpa in spring, you can lightly prune it.
