Japanese Beautyberry
callicarpa japonica
Also known as: ["Japanese Beautyberry","Beautyberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its vibrant purple berries that persist into winter, adding ornamental value to gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Callicarpa |
| Botanical Name: | Callicarpa japonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun; 4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is best; provide shade in hot afternoons; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use balanced fertilizer; reduce or stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm and moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is present.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, peat-based mix, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead/diseased wood, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots if needed, position plant, water, adjust light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a thick layer of mulch for ground plants; protect from frost with covers.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; growth may slow in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, dilute if liquid, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCallicarpa japonica is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCallicarpa japonica is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCallicarpa japonica, commonly known as Japanese beautyberry, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant is generally safe for handling and consumption, though it is not typically used as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Callicarpa japonica have fragrant flowers?
A: No, its flowers are not particularly fragrant, but the plant is valued for its ornamental berries.
Q: Is Callicarpa japonica suitable for container gardening?
A: It can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and pruning to maintain size.
Q: How do I propagate Callicarpa japonica?
A: It can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer, or by layering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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