About
Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl' is a robust shrub characterized by its dense growth habit. It bears clusters of small, light purple blooms that appear along the branches, which are succeeded by vibrant purple berries. When situated in full sun, the leaves can display yellow or purple hues in the fall.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- 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. At least two plants are needed to produce berries
- Pruning
- Pruning group 2
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)