Beautyberry

callicarpa bodinieri

Also known as: ["Beautyberry","Chinese Beautyberry"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Callicarpa Category: Shrubs

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 bodinieri

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: garden border or as a specimen plant
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
  • Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil fertility); root rot (poor drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plants for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until drainage occurs; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, fertile loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged frost.

Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly in spring; water before applying; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage denser growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing runoff and leaf wetness.
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; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and potential dieback if exposed to freezing temperatures.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors; use frost cloth for protection in cold snaps.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; apply at recommended rate; water after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Callicarpa bodinieri may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids. It can also result from environmental stress, such as excessive sunlight or poor soil drainage.

Wilting in Callicarpa bodinieri is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also be caused by root rot or damage from pests, leading to impaired water uptake.

Leaf spots on Callicarpa bodinieri may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Common pathogens include Cercospora and Alternaria species.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Callicarpa bodinieri is commonly caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that can kill the plant if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that consume the berries of Callicarpa bodinieri may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The toxicity is generally limited to digestive discomfort without significant systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the berries. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of the berries by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not severe systemic effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the berries. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The berries of Callicarpa bodinieri contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no known systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of berries. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Callicarpa bodinieri have fragrant flowers?

A: No, its flowers are not particularly fragrant.

Q: How tall does Callicarpa bodinieri grow?

A: It typically reaches 6–10 feet in height.

Q: Are the berries edible?

A: The berries are not commonly consumed by humans due to their astringent taste, though they are sometimes used in jams or preserves.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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