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Callicarpa dichotoma

Callicarpa dichotoma
Purple Beautyberry, Early Amethyst

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Hello, my callicarpa doesn't produce purple berries.

RAYMOND, 02/01/2021

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More information

The Callicarpa plant is fascinating for its long-lasting fruiting. The clusters of tiny, shiny, and violet beads persist on the branches until December. It grows to a height of 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in), forming a dense, cascading, and harmonious bush that can be easily planted in a container on the terrace or a small garden. It can be grown in ordinary soil, including limestone, but should not be too dry in summer.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
1.25 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

Callicarpa dichotoma is a plant species native to Asia, with small round berries clustered together in colourful groups. It is commonly known as the candy tree or bush. This plant is perfect for small spaces and is easy to grow. The fruit of this plant is a beautiful violet with metallic reflections and can be seen on the bare branches from autumn to winter, sometimes even until December. It can be planted in any ordinary soil, even limestone, provided summer is not too dry.

The Callicarpa dichotoma is native to Chinese mid-mountain forests, it is hardy to around -12°C (10.4 °F) and not demanding in terms of soil. This deciduous bush is traditionally classified in the Verbena family, but is now transferred to the Lamiaceae family, where you find sage and mint. A small dense and bushy shrub, it has an elegant habit supported by long branches that gracefully bend. Often wider than tall at maturity, this callicarpa does not exceed 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in height when mature. It produces, in June-July, on the current year's branches, clustered in clusters at the nodes, numerous small pale pink flowers with yellow stamens. This flowering, visited by pollinating insects, is followed in September-October by the formation of numerous berries, 3.5 to 4 mm in diameter, of a brilliant violet, grouped in clusters along the stems. They often remain until the heart of winter. The deciduous foliage is composed of large entire, ovate-elliptical, veined leaves, more purplish green at the end of summer when the fruits form, then turning pale yellow in autumn before falling. 

To enjoy the beautiful violet berries of the callicarpa in autumn, it's best to plant them in a prominent spot. These berries are a cheerful sight during the gloomy early winter days. For better pollination and fruit formation, it's recommended to plant callicarpa in groups of three. This accommodating shrub requires little maintenance and can be nicely complemented by a Carpet of Basket-of-Gold. Its autumn foliage can be paired with that of Lysimachia clethroides or golden hostas ('Daybreak', 'On Stage'). Other shrubs with decorative berries, such as symphorines, a small strawberry tree 'Compacta', mahonia, holly and Cotoneaster franchetii, can be grown alongside it.

Callicarpa dichotoma in pictures

Callicarpa dichotoma (Plant habit) Plant habit
Callicarpa dichotoma (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.25 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 1 cm
Flowering description Small pedunculate flowers in axillary cymes measuring 3-5cm in diameter. Campanulate calyx with 4 downy sepals. Pink corolla with 4 lobes.
Fruit colour violet

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Callicarpa

Species

dichotoma

Family

Verbenaceae

Other common names

Purple Beautyberry, Early Amethyst

Origin

China

Product reference871291

Planting and care

The Callicarpa dichotoma is an easy-to-grow bush in ordinary, well-prepared soil, even slightly calcareous, but deep and remaining moist. It is hardy up to about -12°C (10.4 °F). Plant it in a sunny or semi-shaded location. Once mature, it withstands our normal winters, but it is preferable to protect it with mulch in the first few years. Prune any branches that have been frozen, they will regrow from the base. Plant in groups of three to allow for pollination and therefore fruiting. Prune this bush quite short at the end of winter, by shortening the branches by 2/3 of their length.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, well-prepared, fertile soil.

Care

Pruning instructions Prune (optionally) in late winter by shortening the branches by a third.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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