About

Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai' is a compact deciduous shrub that reaches a height of up to 1.2 meters. It features upright to arching stems adorned with narrow, tapered leaves that have a slight serration along the edges. During the summer months, this plant produces clusters of small pale pink flowers that emerge in forked arrangements along the stems. These blooms are succeeded in autumn by glossy, rounded purple berries.

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

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

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. This cultivar fruits well from a young age

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Propagation

Propagate 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)