Overview
Callicarpa membranacea is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callicarpa, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Callicarpa membranacea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Callicarpa membranacea is a bushy, deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Callicarpa, known for its simple, opposite leaves and clusters of small flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with fertile, well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and cut flower use. The plant is best propagated by seed or cuttings and is of interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callicarpa
- 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
Callicarpa membranacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callicarpa membranacea
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callicarpa membranacea?
Callicarpa membranacea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callicarpa membranacea need?
Callicarpa membranacea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Callicarpa membranacea hardy in the UK?
Callicarpa membranacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Callicarpa membranacea?
Seed, Softwood cuttings in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
