When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
American beautyberry shrubs (Callicarpa americana, USDA zones 7 through 11) bloom in late summer, and although the flowers arent much to look at, the jewel-like, purple or white berries are dazzling. The fall foliage is an attractive yellow or chartreuse color. These 3 to 8 foot (91 cm.- 2+ m.) shrubs work well in borders, and youll also enjoy growing American beautyberries as specimen plants. The berries last several weeks after the leaves drop – if the birds dont eat them all.
Beautyberries live up to their common name, which comes from the botanical name Callicarpa, meaning beautiful fruit. Also called the American mulberry, beautyberries are Native American shrubs that grow wild in woodland areas in Southeastern states. Other types of beautyberries include the Asian species: Japanese beautyberry (C. japonica), Chinese purple beautyberry (C. dichotoma), and another Chinese species, C. bodinieri, which is cold hardy to USDA zone 5. Beautyberry shrubs reseed themselves readily, and the Asian species are considered invasive in some areas. You can easily grow these shrubs from seeds. Collect the seeds from very ripe berries and grow them in individual containers. Keep them protected for the first year, and plant them outdoors the following winter.
Plant American beautyberries in a location with light shade and well-drained soil. If the soil is very poor, mix some compost with the fill dirt when you backfill the hole. Otherwise, wait until the following spring to feed the plant for the first time. Young beautyberry shrubs need about an inch (2.5 cm.) of rain per week. Give them a slow, deep watering when rainfall isnt enough. They are drought-tolerant once established. Beautyberries dont need a lot of fertilizer, but will benefit from a shovelful or two of compost in spring.
As an avid gardener and nature lover, I’m always on the lookout for interesting plants that provide both aesthetic value and practical uses. One of my favorites is the American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), a stunning native shrub that produces vibrant purple berries in the fall. While beautiful to look at, these berries can also be used for food and natural remedies. However, timing is everything when it comes to harvesting American beautyberry. Follow these tips to learn the optimal techniques for reaping the benefits of this multipurpose plant.
American beautyberries are deciduous shrubs that typically grow 3-6 feet tall and wide. They thrive in partial shade and are hardy in USDA zones 7-10. Their oval green leaves provide a lush backdrop for small pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summer. By fall, these flowers transform into vivid magenta berry clusters that encircle the stems. Beyond being visually striking, the berries can be used for jams, jellies, and even natural insect repellents!
Optimal Timing is Key for the Best Harvest
Patience is a virtue when harvesting American beautyberries. Although the berries start forming in summer, it’s best to wait until late summer or early fall to pick them This allows time for the berries to ripen fully, enhancing their flavor, color, and texture
Signs that the berries are ready for harvest include:
- Deep, rich purple coloration
- Plump, softened texture
- Easily detach from branches
Picking the berries too early means they’ll be bitter dry and disappointing. I recommend doing a gentle squeeze test on a few berries first. If they feel mushy and juicy, it’s go time!
Helpful Techniques for Harvesting Beautyberries
When the beautyberries are ripe and ready, there are a few techniques that make harvesting easier:
Hand Picking
Gently grasp berry clusters and pluck them off the branches by hand. Be careful not to crush the delicate berries in the process.
Using Scissors or Pruners
Snip off berry bunches with scissors or pruning shears. Leave a bit of stem attached to each cluster.
Shaking Branches
Gently shake branches over a tarp to dislodge ripe berries. This works well for large harvests.
Avoid Damaging the Plant
No matter which method you use, take care not to damage the shrub while harvesting. The berries should detach easily when ripe. Forcibly yanking unripe berries can harm the plant.
Post-Harvest Care for Optimal Quality
The right post-harvest care ensures your beautyberries retain maximum flavor and nutritional value:
- Gently rinse berries under cool water to remove dirt. Don’t soak them!
- Drain berries well and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Store harvested berries in a single layer in a breathable container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Use berries promptly for best quality. The sooner they’re processed and preserved, the better.
Putting Those Beautyberries to Use
Once you’ve mastered the techniques for harvesting beautyberries, it’s time to put them to use! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy American beautyberries:
- Jams & jellies – Berries contain natural pectin for thickening
- Baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pancakes
- Tea, juice, syrups, and cocktails
- Natural insect repellent – Crush leaves to rub on skin
The subtle flavor pairs well with lemon, ginger, mint, and other herbs. Feel free to get creative with these versatile berries!
Harvesting with Care for Sustainability
When harvesting beautyberries, it’s important to be mindful of conservation. Follow these tips to gather berries in an eco-friendly way:
- Only harvest what you plan to use. Don’t take more than you need.
- Leave some berries behind for wildlife who rely on them for food.
- Prune judiciously to encourage new growth. Never shear shrubs drastically.
- Consider propagating new plants from cuttings to prevent over-foraging from wild shrubs.
With their stunning fall color and variety of uses, American beautyberry shrubs are a dynamic addition to any garden. Learning the optimal timing, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest care will allow you to reap a bountiful berry crop. Approach harvesting with sustainability in mind. When done properly, cultivating beautyberries can be highly rewarding for both you and the surrounding ecosystem.
How to Prune a Beautyberry
Its best to prune American beautyberry shrubs in late winter or very early spring. There are two methods of pruning. The simplest is to cut the entire shrub back to 6 inches (15 cm.) above the ground. It grows back with a neat, rounded shape. This method keeps the shrub small and compact. Beautyberry doesnt need pruning every year if you use this system. If you are concerned about a gap in the garden while the shrub regrows, prune it gradually. Each year, remove one-quarter to one-third of the oldest branches close to the ground. Using this method, the shrub grows up to 8 feet (2+ m.) tall, and you will completely renew the plant every three to four years. Shearing off the plant at the desired height leads to an unattractive growth habit.
Growing American Beautyberry – Native Edible
FAQ
How to harvest American Beautyberry?
When to pick American Beautyberry?
How to know when beauty berries are ripe?
When and how do you prune a beautyberry bush?