Beautyberry Callicarpa japonica

Japanese beautyberry is a moderate-sized, rounded, deciduous shrub in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.  Japanese beautyberry is a native of China and East Asia. It was introduced to western cultivation in 1845. It was cultivated in Denmark in 1916, and it has also been introduced in the State of North Carolina. The genus, Callicarpa, is Greek and means beautiful fruit. The species name, japonica, means of Japan. 

With slender, arching branches that form a spreading vase shape, it grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, which is smaller than the American barberry.  The leaves are a medium green and turn greenish-yellow with a purplish cast in the fall before leaf drop. Clusters of pinkish-white flowers bloom in June on new wood, Beautiful glossy violet-purple berries emerge late summer. They are more prominent in October when not obscured by the foliage. Birds are attracted to the fruits as a food source. 

This easy to grow shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and will become leggy with reduced flower and fruit production if planted in the shade. Well-drained soil is recommended, and the shrub is somewhat drought tolerant. In areas with cold winters it may die back to the ground but will reemerge in the spring.  Cross-pollination and improved fruit production may occur if they are planted in groups or mass plantings. It is recommended to prune old stems in late winter or early spring.  The plant propagates by stem cutting or seed where it naturalizes in the landscape easily.

Utilize Japanese beautyberry in the landscape where its colorful ornamental berries can be enjoyed planted along a walkway or a foundation.  The arching branches work well cascading over the sides of containers.  . When planted 4 to 5 feet apart, they form a nice shrub border or screening hedge. Cultivars are available, and some produce white berries and others have narrower leaves.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect problems.  They may be susceptible to leaf spots, stem diseases, and black mold.  It selfseeds easily and may become weedy in the landsdcape.  It is listed as an invasive species in AL.