Beautyberry (Callicarpa) is a spectacular shrub hiding in plain sight during the spring and summer months. It’s a nice low-maintenance shrub with medium green foliage and blooms that are fairly insignificant.

The show starts in late summer or autumn with the appearance of bright clusters of stunning purple berries (some varieties may have white berries) stealing the spotlight.

The bright berries last well into winter providing dramatic color in the garden.

Beautyberry prefers a sunny location but will grow in partial shade in a mixed bed or the edges of a woodland garden. The ideal soil is well-drained loam but it’s not too picky as long as it has adequate, uniform moisture.

It can tolerate short periods of dry weather but will need regular water in summer, particularly during the dry season on the Olympic Peninsula.

These shrubs generally do not need fertilizer unless you have very nutrient-poor soil. A covering of compost in the spring can benefit beautyberry’s growth. But too much fertilizer can result in decreased berry production. A layer of mulch around the base of the shrub can help keep its roots at a consistent temperature, which will benefit the shrub’s overall health.

Regular pruning can improve the performance of beautyberry. Because it blooms on new wood, pruning for shape and form in the late winter is recommended. Be sure to wait until the beautiful display of berries has faded.

Beautyberry (Callicarpa species) reproduce from seed and young seedlings transplant easily in winter. Asian species are listed as potentially invasive because the plants do readily reseed themselves, but this is avoidable with a little care.

Once you have seen a beautyberry in full berry it is hard to forget. It’s nothing less than dazzling.

Put beautyberry to use

There are many ways to use this shrub in the garden. Plant a single large shrub (or pruned as a small tree) as a standout, focal point for a showy fall display. They can also add structure to a formal or informal garden border. Plant the smaller varieties as a group or mass planting. Give them enough room to shine once the surrounding plants have lost their luster.

Beautyberry is a perfect addition to a wildlife or pollinator garden. They attract birds and butterflies and provide food and shelter to other small creatures.

The leaves as well as berries are said to be a natural mosquito repellent when crushed properly and applied. When you add the fact that they are remarkably pest and fungus tolerant, what’s not to love?

Varieties

There are many varieties of beautyberry. One, Callicarpa americana, is native to the southern United States, hardy to zones 7-10, and can be successfully grown in many parts of the Pacific Northwest.

C. americana is a shrub to small tree that can grow to about 8 feet, sometimes taller. Several other species that are more cold tolerant are:

• Bodinier’s beautyberry (Callicarpa bodinieri) — a shrub native to China that grows to about 10 feet tall by 8 feet wide with purple berries. It is more cold-tolerant than the American version, tolerating zones 6-8.

• Japanese beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica) — a native to Japan that reaches about 4-6 feet tall and wide in zones 5-8. It produces clusters of bright purple berries.

• Chinese beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) — a smaller shrub, between 2-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide with purple fruit (sometimes white). Native to China, Japan and Korea, it is hardy in zones 5-8.

If you would like to see the display a beautyberry has to offer, visit the Woodcock Demonstration Garden (2711 Woodcock Road) in the fall or early winter months, and head to the shrub garden. Take advantage of the new self-guided tour. Brochures are available at several locations around the garden.

For more information, visit the National Gardening Association’s webpage at garden.org and enter “beautyberry” in the search field.

Susan Kalmar is a Clallam County Master Gardener.