header image

Beautyberry (Callicarpa) Shrubs - a Native Food for Birds

Beautyberry shrub - Callicarpa

Callicarpa, commonly known as Beautyberry, is a medium shrub that is grown for the vibrant purple berry clusters that they develop in the late summer and fall.  There are two varieties on the market that consumers can usually find in garden centers.

Callicarpa americana our native beautyberry grows to 4-5 feet tall and wide. Arching branches develop bright green leaves followed by inconspicuous whitish flowers in early summer.  Vibrant purple berries develop along the stems in clusters.  They grow best in filtered to full sun.  Songbirds favor the berries and spread the plants.  It is hardy from zones 6-10.                                 

Callicarpa dichtoma originates from China, Korea, and Japan and grows approximately 5 feet tall and wide.  The arching branches develop small pinkish-white flowers in early to mid-summer followed by drupes of bright lavender berries.  The shrub can grow in part shade to full sun and will flower more evenly and develop more berries in full sun.  This plant blooms on new wood so prune in the spring to shape.  Berries are a favorite of birds and plants are spread by birds.  The shrub is hardy zones 5-8.

Both make a great addition to your garden and look best if planted in mass or used as a hedge or woodland plant.  Pair with Pyracantha or Ilex verticillata for a smorgasbord of food for the birds.

 

Beautyberry callicarpa shrub




Also in Lawn & Garden Blog

Fall Veggies
Nutrients for Fall Cold Crops

Fall cold crops are crops that grow as the days get shorter and cooler. The soil must be permeable to the roots of these cold crops so that they can develop into edible sizes. It is also best when planting root crops to make sure your soil is phosphorous and potassium rich and somewhat nitrogen poor.

Continue Reading

Hornet nest in tree cavity
What’s All the Buzz About

Several customers are complaining about Wasp, Hornets, Cicada Killers, and Yellow Jackets being extremely aggressive this year.  Fall is the time that we will notice an increase in the activity of wasps and bees.

Continue Reading

Ragweed vs. Goldenrod: How to Tell the Difference
Ragweed vs. Goldenrod: How to Tell the Difference

As summer transitions into fall, the landscape undergoes a colorful transformation with the emergence of various wildflowers. Two of the most commonly observed plants during this season are ragweed and goldenrod. While they may look somewhat similar at first glance, they are quite distinct in their characteristics and properties. 

Continue Reading