August 1996
Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 4 to 10 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Shape: Bushy
Large green leaves have a rather course look. Inconspicuous pink flowers bloom in summer and are followed by magenta fruit in the fall.
Zone: 7 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.4
Suggested uses for this plant include border, naturalizing, and massing.
Transplants readily.
Plant in well-drained soil.
Since flowers occur on new growth, prune to
within 4 to 6 inches of the ground each spring.
Heavy, early spring pruning increases fruit
production.
Can prune plant to within 4 to 6 inches of
ground in spring.
No serious problems.
Consult local sources, including
historic or public
gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related
species that grow well in your area.
Varieties of CALLICARPA AMERICANA:
var. LACTEA has white berries.
Related species:
CALLICARPA DICHOTOMA (Chinese Beautyberry) is
more cold hardy than American Beautyberry.
CALLICARPA JAPONICA (Japanese Beautyberry) has
darker fruit and yellow fall color.
American Beautyberry is a native plant grown
for
its colorful berries in autumn.
Well suited to planting in groups, and to create
natural settings.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous
Shrubs"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.