Callicarpa bodinieri var.giraldii 'PROFUSION' beauty berry

Beauty berry. Sounds like a beauty salon. The truth is the name is right because this plant, originally from China, is grown for its beautifully coloured berries.

It is a mid-sized shrub with deep green, elliptic to obovate, deciduous leaves that are bronze when young. It flowers in summer with small, pale pink flowers that are followed by fruit which is the key feature of this plant. The bead-like berries are deep violet and glossy, and they look so unusual which makes you think they are an afternoon dessert from Star Trek. Profusion is the name of this variety and profusion of berries is what this plant brings every year.

Grow it in fertile, well-drained soil, preferably moist and in full sun or dappled shade. It withstands drought once established but prefers moist soil and long summers. It flowers on new wood so cutting back is possible every year to encourage strong new growth with numerous flowers and berries. No pests or diseases known. Fully hardy to -24°C and with some dead branch ends it can withstand -29 °C.

Last update 27-09-2008; 14-11-2023