A plant with the audacity to bear the name beautyberry better deliver on the promise—and beautyberry doesn’t disappoint. Starting out in spring as a rather unassuming shrub, it begins to earn its praises in late summer, when other plants are fading. Abundant clusters of fruit ripen into striking purple berries that stand out boldly against the warmer color tones typical of the season. Those colorful berries persist well after the leaves fall, decorating the bare branches like shiny purple jewels.
For gardeners looking for a more subdued ornamental shrub for the fall garden, there are also lovely beautyberry cultivars with white or light pink fruit. No matter your preference, few fruit-bearing shrubs can compete with beautyberries when they are at their peak of color. The sight of those glossy berries strung along the shrub’s graceful arching branches are one of the most unexpected pleasures of the season.
Beautyberries flower in clusters at almost every leaf node in late spring to midsummer. Although attractive, the tiny pink or white flowers often go unnoticed because they are obscured by the foliage.
The berries (which are actually drupes, or one-seeded fruits) begin maturing in late August and remain on the plant up to six weeks or longer after the leaves fall.
When it comes to selecting shrubs for your garden one of the most important considerations is size. Choosing the right size shrub can make all the difference in how well the plant fits the space requires maintenance, and achieves your desired landscape design. This is especially true for the showy and versatile American beautyberry shrub. With sizes ranging from petite varieties under 3 feet to large shrubs over 8 feet tall, American beautyberry offers options for gardens both big and small. In this article, we will explore the different size categories of American beautyberry shrubs and provide tips on choosing the ideal size for your unique garden needs.
An Overview of Size Categories
American beautyberry shrubs fall into three main size categories
- Small – under 3 feet tall
- Medium – 4 to 6 feet tall
- Large – over 6 feet tall
The spread of these shrubs is generally about the same as the height, so a 6 foot tall variety will be around 6 feet wide as well. However, exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on growing conditions and cultivars.
While native species can reach up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions, most popular garden varieties are bred to remain a bit smaller. Still, proper selection for mature size is key to prevent any landscape surprises down the road.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Size
When deciding which size American beautyberry is right for your garden, keep the following factors in mind:
Garden Space
Take measurements of your bed or planting area before choosing a shrub. Make sure to leave enough space around the shrub when mature for air circulation. Smaller varieties under 3 feet are great options for tight spaces.
Purpose
Think about your design goals. Do you need a focal point shrub or privacy hedge? Large varieties make excellent statement pieces, while medium shrubs nicely fill empty spots.
Maintenance
Bigger shrubs require more pruning and troubleshooting. For easy care, select smaller beautyberries. Their petite stature also makes them suitable for containers.
Wildlife Interest
If attracting birds is a priority, pick a larger beautyberry that will produce an abundant berry crop. More berries mean more birds drawn to the garden.
Climate Adaptability
Some cultivars have better tolerance for regional growing conditions. Consult your local extension office for size recommendations suited to your area.
The Best Small Beautyberry Shrubs Under 3 Feet
For cramped growing areas, small beautyberry shrubs shine. Here are top compact varieties to consider:
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Callicarpa x ‘Duet’ – A hybrid reaching just 2 feet tall. Features eye-catching white berries.
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Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’ – A purple beautyberry cultivar that stays under 3 feet in height.
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Callicarpa ‘Issai Pink’ – A pink-berried variety that matures at around 2 to 3 feet tall.
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Callicarpa ‘Shoal Creek’ – This beautyberry slowly grows to 2 to 3 feet. Produces large glossy purple fruit.
Stellar Medium Beautyberry Shrubs 4 to 6 Feet Tall
The medium size range allows flexibility in function. Some excellent mid-size options include:
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Callicarpa americana ‘Welch’s Pink’ – Bright pink berries on a 5 foot shrub.
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Callicarpa x ‘NCCX2’ Amber – Amber berry hybrid reaching 5 feet at maturity.
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Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Iveston’ – A purple beautyberry that stays neatly compact at 4 to 5 feet tall.
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Callicarpa americana ‘Lake Side’ – Violet fruit on a medium shrub growing 5 to 6 feet.
Large Beautyberry Shrubs Over 6 Feet Tall
On the grand end of the scale, these big beauties make a dramatic statement:
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Callicarpa americana – Native species that can reach up to 10 feet tall.
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Callicarpa dichotoma – Asian beautyberry that spreads 8 to 10 feet at maturity.
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Callicarpa ‘NCCX1’ Pearl Glam – White pearl berries on large 8 foot shrubs.
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Callicapa x ‘NC2008-5’ Ruby – Hybrid with ruby red fruit. Grows up to 8 feet tall.
The Right Beautyberry Starts with the Right Size
Choosing the perfect American beautyberry shrub involves careful consideration of size and space. But armed with knowledge of the size range and growth habits of different cultivars, you can pick a beautyberry with confidence. Whether you have room for a dainty 2 foot shrub or want to make a bold statement with an 8 foot giant, there is an American beautyberry that’s just the right fit for your garden.
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Is the fruit edible?
Yes, the berries are nontoxic to animals as well as humans. They are also on the menu of more than 40 species of songbirds. Despite being edible, beautyberries aren’t very palatable when eaten raw because they tend to be bitter. However, they can be cooked and sweetened to make jellies or sauces.
There are approximately 140 species, but four in particular—one native to southeastern North America and three of Asian origin—are commonly used as ornamental garden shrubs.
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Photo by: Studio Barcelona / Shutterstock
American beautyberry: Callicarpa americana is one of the showiest beautyberries because of its especially large magenta-purple berries that wrap tightly around the branch like beaded bracelets. This is also the largest of the beautyberries, reaching 6 to 8 feet tall with an equal spread. Native to the Southeast—from Maryland to Florida and west through Texas—it grows best in climates with mild winters and hot, humid summers (Zones 6-10).
Asian beautyberry: The three Asian species, Callicarpa japonica from Japan, Callicarpa bodinieri from China, and Callicarpa dichotoma, from Japan, China, and Korea, are more cold tolerant (Zones 5-8) than their American cousin. Other distinguishing features include a more arching or weeping form and smaller berries that hang from the branches in grape-like bunches. Of the three, C. dichotoma is the smallest, reaching only 3 to 4 feet with a similar spread.Note: C. dichotoma has been declared invasive in the South and eastern U.S. Learn more about where this plant is invasive.
All of these species have a number of white- and purple-fruited cultivars. But if you’re looking for something unique, try C. americana Welchs Pink (a pink-fruited variety), C. dichotoma ‘Duet’ (white berries and variegated foliage), and Pearl Glam®, a newer hybrid with dark purple leaves.
Beautyberries prefer moist soil rich in organic matter. They aren’t particular about soil type, but good drainage is a must.
Grow in full sun or light shade; but for optimum berry production, a sunny location is best.
When planting beautyberry, give it plenty of room to sprawl. The weight of the berries often cause the shrub’s flexible branches to bend, which can shade or crowd nearby plantings. As a general rule of thumb, space plants about 5 to 7 feet apart.
Beautyberry readily self-sows in the garden but can also be propagated from softwood cuttings. Although beautyberry is self-pollinating, some species (such as C. americana) have a better chance for cross-pollination when planted in groupings, which may result in higher fruit yields.
As mentioned, beautyberry will readily self-sow. Check with local experts to see if this poses a threat where you live, or learn more about where beautyberry may be considered invasive.
Although established beautyberries can tolerate some drought, under extreme conditions they may drop their leaves and berries to compensate for the lack of moisture. For the best performance, be sure to maintain consistent soil moisture, giving your shrubs about an inch of water per week during prolonged dry spells.
Don’t bother. Applying too much fertilizer, especially types that are high in nitrogen, will promote foliage growth but at the expense of fewer flowers and berries.
Although beautyberry shrubs don’t have to be pruned to produce fruit year after year, you’ll get a more robust berry display by cutting them back in late winter or early spring while they are still dormant. Because beautyberry blooms on new wood, a hard pruning to just several inches above the ground won’t affect flower production and will keep plants looking dense and full.
Once established, beautyberry requires very little maintenance, except for occasional pruning. They resist most foliar diseases and pests. In colder growing zones, your plants may experience some dieback in winter, but they will often resprout from the ground in spring and produce fruit that same year.
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Pearl Glam® beautyberry. Photo by: Proven Winners
A plant with the audacity to bear the name beautyberry better deliver on the promise—and beautyberry doesn’t disappoint. Starting out in spring as a rather unassuming shrub, it begins to earn its praises in late summer, when other plants are fading. Abundant clusters of fruit ripen into striking purple berries that stand out boldly against the warmer color tones typical of the season. Those colorful berries persist well after the leaves fall, decorating the bare branches like shiny purple jewels.
For gardeners looking for a more subdued ornamental shrub for the fall garden, there are also lovely beautyberry cultivars with white or light pink fruit. No matter your preference, few fruit-bearing shrubs can compete with beautyberries when they are at their peak of color. The sight of those glossy berries strung along the shrub’s graceful arching branches are one of the most unexpected pleasures of the season.
Callicarpa, derived from a combination of the Greek words callos (beautiful) and carpos (fruit).
Varies depending on the species, ranging Zones 5 to 9
3 to 8 feet
Beautyberries flower in clusters at almost every leaf node in late spring to midsummer. Although attractive, the tiny pink or white flowers often go unnoticed because they are obscured by the foliage.
The berries (which are actually drupes, or one-seeded fruits) begin maturing in late August and remain on the plant up to six weeks or longer after the leaves fall.
Growing American Beautyberry – Native Edible
FAQ
How big do beautyberry bushes get?
Can you keep beautyberry small?
Where is the best place to plant a beautyberry bush?
Does American beautyberry spread?
How big does a beautyberry grow?
Beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana) is a deciduous shrub found naturally in the southeastern United States. It grows between 3 and 6 feet tall and wide on average, though it’s been known to reach 9 feet tall. It has a moderate growth rate, gaining around 1 to 2 feet per year until it is mature, and it can be planted in the fall or spring.
What does a beautyberry look like?
Here’s how it works. American beautyberry shrubs ( Callicarpa americana, USDA zones 7 through 11) bloom in late summer, and although the flowers aren’t much to look at, the jewel-like, purple or white berries are dazzling. The fall foliage is an attractive yellow or chartreuse color.
How long does it take beautyberries to grow?
It will usually take cuttings about 3 to 4 weeks to root. Purchase it as a small shrub from nurseries and space at least 5 to 6 feet apart. You can typically purchase this plant at nurseries as a small shrub. Plant beautyberries at least 5 to 6 feet apart to ensure adequate spacing between plants.
How much sun does American beautyberry need?
Once established, this shrub is easy to grow and care for, with limited disease and pest problems and new growth every year. American beautyberry thrives in full to part sun, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This gorgeous shrub requires full sun to part sun locations. It will need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.