Callicarpa

Callicarpa (beautyberry) – ornamental shrub with berries and seasonal charm

Callicarpa, known as beautyberry, is a deciduous shrub that surprises every year. Small pink or white flowers appear in summer, but its real charm comes to the fore in autumn: long branches full of brightly coloured berries that sparkle in clusters along the stems. These striking fruits give the garden a special glow at a time when many other plants have already finished flowering.

What makes Callicarpa so special?

Most Callicarpas remain compact, with a mature height of about 1.2 to 1.5 metres. The shrub grows upright and usually retains a neat shape. What makes it truly unique are its shiny purple berries. The shrub has fine, round berries that grow in dense clusters along the branches. Most varieties have a purple-violet colour, but there are also varieties with white berries. The Proven Winners® range includes PearlGlam®, a unique variety that stands out for its dark purple leaves and, of course, its classic purple berries.

From blossom to berries: decorative value in every season

Although the summer flowers are small and modest, they form the basis for the spectacular autumn berries. It is precisely this contrast that makes Callicarpa interesting: a quiet flowering followed by an exuberant finale in autumn. PearlGlam® emphasises this even more strongly, with dark foliage that provides contrast from spring onwards, pink-white flowers in summer and finally the characteristic purple berries in autumn.

Planting Callicarpa

Callicarpa likes sun to light partial shade. The more sun, the richer the flowering and berry formation. The soil must be nutritious and well-drained, preferably with some organic material. Use it as a solitary eye-catcher, or plant several shrubs together for an impressive autumn effect. For group planting, you can maintain a planting distance of 70–100 cm. Callicarpa also combines well with summer-flowering shrubs and perennials in borders, keeping the garden attractive well into autumn.

Growth and care at its simplest

Callicarpa likes a little attention, but not a lot of care. Give young plants extra water during dry periods and work compost or mulch into the top layer in spring to support growth and flowering. If necessary, prune back into shape in early spring and remove old branches for rejuvenation. 

Callicarpa in your garden!

Beautyberry is ideal for anyone who wants to maintain colour and structure in the autumn. It is a strong, hardy and low-maintenance shrub that looks beautiful both on its own and in groups. Proven Winners® PearlGlam® adds extra ornamental value with its compact growth and striking leaf colour.

FAQ