Most of the year, the Callicarpa shrub goes unnoticed and is unspectacular, it almost seems like it’s a little shy. But secretly the shrub is patiently waiting until most other plants have had their moment to shine. In late autumn Callicarpa finally reveals its secret; clusters of small purple berries are now growing alongside the branches. Especially when the last leaf has fallen, these glossy purple berries are really standing out against the brown/grey autumn background. 
 

ABOUT CALLICARPA

The striking Callicarpa is also known as ‘beautyberry’, named of course after their most remarkable characteristic: their purple (or white!) berries. There are multiple species within the Callicarpa  genus, the most common ones are Callicarpa Americana, which is native to South-east America; Callicarpa Japonica is originates from Japan. The berries and shrubs belonging to the Callicarpa Japonica specie, tends to be a little smaller in comparison to its American counterpart. Lastly, Callicarpa Bodinerie is a cultivar from the Netherlands.

In the wild, the Callicarpa berries persists into deep winter. Their purple berries contrasting with the cold and frozen regions of the world. In deep winter, Callicarpa may attract hungry birds. When there are enough other food sources available, birds don’t take much interest in the berries. They treat it as an emergency food source, and only eat the Callicarpa berries after all other food sources have been exhausted.

As a decoration, Callicarpa lends itself very well to be used in all sorts of winter arrangements and decoration purposes. It definitely provides an undeniable splash of colour in your creation. When cut, Callicarpa will stay beautiful for a long time, not needing much care.
 

AVAILABILITY

Callicarpa is now available. Log in and click here to go to the current assortment. Callicarpa is supplied through Radical Fall. Besides from Callicarpa, Radical Fall brings you the best Ilex available on the market.