American beautyberry
callicarpa americana
Also known as: ["Beautyberry","French mulberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its vibrant purple or magenta berries that encircle the stems in late summer and fall.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Callicarpa |
| Botanical Name: | Callicarpa americana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-aerated and slightly acidic.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate, but avoid heavy pruning during floweri
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust exposure seasonally.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; place in filtered light during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sun; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam with organic matter
pH: 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Test soil pH annually; avoid compacted soil; ensure consistent moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C). Prefers warm, humid conditions; tolerates mild frosts but requires protection below 28°F (-2°C).
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent room temperature; use shade cloth in outdoor hot climates.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; fertilize before new growth emerges; cease feeding in late fall.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is flexible but mature enough to root.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone powder or liquid is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment in new pot may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture; check for root development after 3 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded stems and deadheading spent flowers; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant (70% alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the container to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or necrosis in extreme heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress; bud drop during temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to dieback if prolonged or severe.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; move potted plants indoors before frost; use frost cloth for outdoor plants in suboptimal temperatures.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering if water and humidity are insufficient.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage in the morning to boost humidity.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer type; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring and midsummer. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength for monthly applications during growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, Callicarpa americana berries can cause mild toxicity in cats if ingested in large quantities. The tannins present in the berries may lead to gastrointestinal irritation, but the plant is not considered highly toxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Callicarpa americana can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested in significant quantities. The high tannin content may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe poisoning is unlikely. The plant does not contain compounds that are highly toxic to canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCallicarpa americana, commonly known as American beautyberry, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingesting large quantities of its berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high tannin content. The plant does not produce significant toxic compounds that would cause severe physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Callicarpa americana require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though it produces more berries in full sun.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: The berries are not toxic but have a bland taste; they are sometimes used in jellies or for wildlife.
Q: How tall does it grow?
A: It typically reaches 3–5 feet in height, though it can grow up to 9 feet in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
