About
Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of up to 3 meters. It features elongated, hairy stems and narrow, toothed green leaves that display shades of pink and purple as autumn approaches. During late summer, the plant produces clusters of small lilac-pink flowers, which give way to glossy, round violet berries 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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- E to W China
- 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 part shade. Fruits best when grown in groups; at least two plants are needed to ensure pollination and berry production
- Pruning
- Pruning group 6
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)