October 2004
Beautybush or Callicarpa

This medium sized fast growing shrub grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet with equal spread and is best known for its brightly colored berries that appear in September and October and remain after the foliage drops. The plant produces its flowers and fruits on one-year-old stems that allow them to be pruned to the ground in late winter. It is easily transplanted and grows well in well-drained soils growing best in full sun to light shade. Small pink flowers appear in July against a background of medium to lime green summer foliage that becomes faintly yellow to purple in the fall.

There are many forms to choose from including Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai'and 'Early Amethyst'. Both produce showers of bright violet fruit. Callicarpa japonica 'Leucocarpa' produces a shower of white fruit on a more upright shrub that can reach six to eight feet. The white berries are very showy in the fall landscape especially when used in conjunction with other fall foliage and fruit. Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' produces an outstanding display of violet-purple metallic colored fruit on a shrub that is more upright growing to a height of six to eight feet.

Unlike the other Callicarpa, Profusion flowers on second year stems. Care should be taken to take only about 1/3 of the stems out of an older plant in a year to insure fruit development. These fruit work well in the landscaping providing fruit that will attract birds and color that complements ilex, malus and pyracantha.

Randy Zondag, OSU Extension Horticulture Agent, Lake County
Photos Courtesy Bill Hendricks, Klyn Nurseries, Inc., Perry OH