Callicarpa dichotoma aka Purple Beauty Berry
Taxonomy ID: 12447
Callicarpa dichotoma, commonly known as the purple beautyberry or early amethyst, is a compact, deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 1.2m. It features upright to arching stems and narrowly ovate, slightly serrated green leaves. During summer, this shrub produces small pale pink flowers in forked clusters along the stems. These flowers are followed by glossy, round purple berries in autumn. The berries grow closely together in large clusters and provide food for wildlife. They are also edible, offering a mild taste. Native to China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, the purple beautyberry is cultivated as a garden shrub and is known for its ornamental fruits that can persist even after the leaves have dropped for winter. It is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet. While it has been introduced in the United States and Taiwan, it is not widely available.
Common names
Purple Beauty Berry, Purple Beautyberry, BeautyberryMore information about Purple Beauty Berry
How difficult is it to take care of Purple Beauty Berry
Purple Beauty Berry is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What are the water needs for Purple Beauty Berry
Purple Beauty Berry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Purple Beauty Berry
Purple Beauty Berry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Purple Beauty Berry
Purple Beauty Berry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Purple Beauty Berry will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Purple Beauty Berry
The Purple Beauty Berry should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Purple Beauty Berry toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
More info:
Wikipedia
