Beautyberry, Bare Root

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

An open, arching shrub for woodland edges and mixed native borders. Purple fruit circles the stems in late summer, making a useful connection between the garden's flowering season and fall bird food.

Key Characteristics

Berries birds can use

American robins, brown thrashers, purple finches, and eastern towhees eat the fruit. Leave some clusters where you can watch visiting birds.

Flowers on this year's growth

Small summer flowers precede the berries. If rejuvenation is needed, prune in late winter rather than removing flowering shoots during the growing season.

Room for an arching shrub

Use several in a loose group instead of clipping them into a tight hedge. These are seedlings, so fruiting and plant form will vary.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and southeastern United States and parts of the Caribbean
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium
• Mature height: 3–8 feet
• Bloom: June–July
• Bloom color: Pink, Lavender, White
• USDA hardiness zones: 6–10
• Fruit or seed: Purple berry clusters in late summer and fall; mild-flavored fruit traditionally used for jelly.
• Pollination: Plant several genetically distinct seedlings for a fuller fruit display.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting, water the root zone during establishment, and mulch without covering the crown. Base fertilizer on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when feeding is needed.

Usually has few serious pest problems. Keep new roots watered and avoid prolonged waterlogging. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. Seed-grown plants vary in growth, flowering, and fruiting.