About

Callicarpa americana is a dense, deciduous shrub with an open, arching form. It produces abundant clusters of small berries that range in color from purplish-mauve to magenta, appearing along the stems in autumn and sometimes persisting into winter. The leaves are elliptical to ovate, featuring serrated edges, and their undersides may have a woolly texture. The slender stems exhibit a grey to reddish-brown hue. During late spring to early summer, the shrub bears clusters of subtle flowers in shades of violet, pink, or white that emerge from the leaf axils.

About the genus

Callicarpa consists of shrubs that may be either evergreen or deciduous. They feature simple, opposite leaves and produce small flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple that cluster in the axils. These flowers give way to small fruits, which are often brightly colored. Planting multiple shrubs together enhances pollination, leading to better fruit production.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Native to

S US, W Indies

Toxicity

Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in fertile well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Pruning

Pruning Group 2

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn or spring or propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)