Callicarpa 'Beautyberry': Americana

Callicarpa americana, also known as The American Beautyberry, is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. This plant is native to the central and southeastern United States, Bermuda, and Cuba. In the spring, green leaves emerge on upright arching stems. In it's ideal habitat, this plant will grow 3-8 ft tall and 3 to 6 ft wide. Clusters of small flowers bloom on the stems during the late spring and early summer. Clusters of purplish to bluish berries develop from August through October and encircle the stem. The fruits may last through early winter. They are a good food source for songbirds and small mammals. The leaves, when crushed, produce a chemical that can repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fire ants.

This shrub is suited for mass plantings, large landscapes, naturalized areas, pond margins and container gardening. They seem to produce more fruit if several more of the same type of shrubs are planted nearby. American beautyberry is also at home in a butterfly garden, native garden, and pollinator garden.

Sold Individually
Available in 3Gal

The shrub prefers full sun to part shade and is intolerant of deep shade.

This plant requires an inch of water per week when actively growing—thriving best with consistent moisture in well-draining soil. While established plants tolerate brief dry spells, they need supplemental watering during hot, sunny conditions or extended droughts.

Prune in late winter to 1 foot high as the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots. We recommend the Modern Sprout Garden Pruner.