There are few fall performers more majestic than the beautyberry. My beautyberry is Callicarpa dichtoma ‘Early Amethyst’ and is a native of Asia. It’s a beautiful shrub with tiny white flowers in the summer that become loaded with clusters of purple berries in the fall. When I say loaded, I mean loaded! The berries last throughout the fall and typically get eaten by the birds after many of the other berries are depleted.
Beautyberry Growing Info:
- Plant Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
- Height: 3 to 4 feet
- Spread: 4 to 5 feet
- Berries enjoyed by Birds
I recommend choosing the native beautyberry Callicarpa americana over the Asian versions but both are spectacular garden plants that do well in full sun to part shade locations. Unlike other plants in my garden the beautyberries are rarely grazed on by deer. In the spring they may receive an exploratory nibble or two but beyond that they seem to be very deer resistant.
Beautyberry grows well in zones 5-8. It can handle a hard pruning in late winter which encourages branching and makes for a bushier plant with more flowers and berries. The berries will allow the plant to self sow quite a bit so you may end up with volunteer beautyberries where you didn’t plant them!
Here is some info on propagating beautyberry.
Purple Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) is a compact, ornamental shrub prized for its graceful arching branches and vibrant clusters of lilac-purple berries. Native to East Asia, it adds striking late-season color to gardens and pairs beautifully with native and ornamental plantings.
- USDA Zones: 5–8
- Mature Size: 3–4 feet tall and wide
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate; tolerates short dry periods once established
- Wildlife Value: Berries attract birds and pollinators
- Bonus Fact: Often called Early Amethyst Beautyberry for its especially vivid berry clusters that appear slightly earlier than those of American Beautyberry.
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