About
Callicarpa japonica is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. It features a rounded growth form and has narrow, ovate leaves that are tapered and slightly serrated. During the summer, the plant produces clusters of small, pale pink flowers along its stems. In the fall, these are succeeded by small, glossy 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
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- 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)