Beautyberry, Japanese callicarpa, Japanese Beautyberry
Callicarpa japonica

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.

Callicarpa japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) at a medium rate. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

A pioneer species of cut-over lands. Mixed forests on mountain slopes or in valleys at elevations of 200 - 900 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria..

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are a tea substitute.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Cascades, Container, Erosion control, Massing, Standard, Specimen. Requires a sunny position or light dappled shade. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil. This species is only really hardy in the milder parts of Britain, requiring a warm sunny corner, though some forms should prove to be hardier. A very ornamental and polymorphic species. Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm long, July/August in a frame. High percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth with a heel taken in early spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. murasaki.