Callicarpa

CALLICARPA (kal-i-kahr’-pa). Beauty-berry. Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, North and Central America; members of the Vervain Family. The flowers are small, borne in short clusters in summer and the plants are grown chiefly for their bright lilac or violet colored berry-like fruits, very conspicuous in late autumn. Only a few of the species are at all hardy North, and in severe winters these are generally killed back close to the ground. However, in such cases, new, vigorous shoots start from below the following spring and usually flower and fruit the same season. They like rich soil in a sheltered place and are tolerant of shade. Propagated by cuttings of growing and mature wood, layers and seed.

Principal Species

Callicarpa americana (French-mulberry) is found from Va. south, growing to 6 ft. It has bluish flowers and in fruit is one of the showiest; the fruit is violet in the species and white in var. alba. Not hardy North.

Callicarpa dichotoma – A Japanese species formerly known as Callicarpa purpurea. It grows to 4 ft. and has pink flowers and lilac-white fruit borne in clusters in the leaf axils. It is one of the hardiest.

Callicarpa japonica – A shrub to 5 ft. with pale-pink flowers and violet fruit, is fairly hardy.

Callicarpa giraldiana – A Chinese species to 10 ft. has pink flowers and violet fruit. Hardy North.

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