Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’ (Purple Beautyberry)

Noted for its profuse berries and early fruiting age, Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’ (Purple Beautyberry) is a small, compact, rounded, deciduous shrub, primarily grown for its eye-catching display of shiny purple berries from early to fall late. It bears clusters of small pink flowers in summer along its elegantly arching stems. Attractive to bees and butterflies, they are abundantly followed by clusters of glossy, bright lavender-purple fruits in the fall, which persist after the leaves have fallen and stand out beautifully. Adding wonderful color to the landscape, they contrast with the foliage of elliptic green leaves. Easy to grow.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium, well-drained soils. Best flowering and fruit production occurs in full sun. May become leggy in too much shade. Fairly adaptable to different soil types, but fertile soil with good drainage is preferred. Some drought tolerance.
• Easy to grow and low maintenance, this plant is affected by very few pests and diseases. It is also rarely bothered by deer.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders, containers, and foundation plantings. Perfect also as a specimen plant or deciduous hedge or screen. Best fruit production occurs when these Beautyberry shrubs are planted in groups or massed (better cross-pollination).
• Blooms on new growth. Prune stems back to 6 in. (15 cm) in late winter to early spring to encourage compactness and flowering.
• Callicarpa dichotoma species is invasive in Alabama. As an alternative, use Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)
• Callicarpa dichotoma species is native to China, Japan, and Korea.