Beauty Berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var.giraldii ‘Profusion’) may be an Autumn shrub, but there’s very little mellow fruitfulness about it. In fact, ‘mellow’ is entirely the wrong adjective to use when discussing Beauty Berries. Their fruits aren’t subtle: they’re the horticultural equivalent of Beyonce Knowles, and I love them for it. And not wanting to be outdone, the leaves turn a regal golden-purple too.
This species is pretty obliging and hardy, even though it looks rather demanding and fragile. It is happy in sun or dappled shade, doesn’t grow too enormous, and is fairly pest and disease-free. It looks stunning at the back of a mixed border, or among other shrubs. For the best display of fruits, grow a couple together, and hope for a long hot summer.
Vital stats:
Location:
Well-drained soil
Light:
Full sun or dappled shade
When to plant:
Autumn or Spring
What can I expect from this shrub?
Height: 10ft
Spread: 8ft
Flowers: July
Berries: autumn
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
[...] Beauty Berry – Fennel and Fern fennelandfern.co.uk/2009/11/12/beauty-berry – view page – cached Beauty Berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var.giraldii ‘Profusion’) may be an Autumn shrub, but there’s very little mellow fruitfulness about it. In fact, ‘mellow’ is entirely the wrong adjective… Read moreBeauty Berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var.giraldii ‘Profusion’) may be an Autumn shrub, but there’s very little mellow fruitfulness about it. In fact, ‘mellow’ is entirely the wrong adjective to use when discussing Beauty Berries. Their fruits aren’t subtle: they’re the horticultural equivalent of Beyonce Knowles, and I love them for it. And not wanting to be outdone, the leaves turn a regal golden-purple too. Read less [...]
on Nov 12th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
What an amazing colour, brings to mind Christmas decorations.
on Nov 13th, 2009 at 2:51 am
I’ve never heard of Beauty Berries, but those are truly beautiful!
Are they edible? Or do they attract birds?
I definitely have a long hot summer if that’s what they like. I’ll have to see if I can find some to plant in my yard. I love those colors.
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Oh I saw these in the garden centre and fell instantly in love. Not seen many in gardens but did the other day and thought “I shall have one of those in my garden by next autumn”. Of course, will now have to amend that to two!
on Nov 14th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hi Karen,
They’re not edible for humans, but birds like them. And the colours are so breathtaking!
Isabel
on Nov 17th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I have one for 3 years now but can’t seem to get the berries to turn purple! I don’t know if the weather is not hot enough (I live in MN) or it takes time or birds eat the green berries before they turn purple. It’s a nice shrub but I bought it for the berries. I just about ready to move it elsewhere.