Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst'
treeEarly Amethyst is a beautyberry grown for an astonishing autumn show: tight clusters of glossy, brilliant lilac-violet berries that ring the arching stems in September and October like strings of amethyst beads, a color almost no other hardy plant produces. It is a graceful, fine-textured deciduous shrub two to four feet tall and a bit wider, with small pink-lavender flowers along the branches in summer that are pretty but secondary to the fruit. The berries persist into early winter until birds strip them, making it both an ornamental standout and a wildlife plant. This Asian species is more compact and cold hardy than the native American beautyberry, and is a favorite for the fall border, where its weeping, berry-laden branches are unmatched.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 7 days
Harvest
~70 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
3-4 ft apart
Planting Depth
Set the root ball level with the soil surface
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Average, medium-moisture, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 5 – 8
When to Fertilize
Lightly in early spring after the hard cutback
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer or compost
Grow beautyberry in full sun for the heaviest flowering and the best fruit set, though it takes part shade (where it gets leggier and fruits less), in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil; it is adaptable and has some drought tolerance once established. It is hardy in zones 5 to 8. The key to a tidy, fruitful plant is pruning: because it blooms and then fruits on new wood, cut it back hard in late winter or early spring, even to about a foot from the ground, which keeps it shapely and maximizes the berry display on vigorous new growth. Water in dry spells to support good fruiting, and otherwise it asks very little.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first harvest
Jun 24
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Cluster on tender new growth - rinse off with water and encourage ladybugs; seldom serious
Minor fungal spotting in wet weather - give airflow, water at the base, and clear fallen leaves
Stipple leaves in hot dry spells - rinse the foliage and keep the plant from drought stress
Tiny white flies on leaf undersides - rinse foliage and encourage beneficial insects; rarely a real problem on this tough shrub
Beautyberry branches are spectacular in fall arrangements - cut the berry-laden stems in the cool morning, strip the leaves, and the glossy violet clusters last well in a vase as a striking accent. In the garden the main job is the hard late-winter or early-spring cutback that ensures a fresh, heavily fruiting plant, since the berries form on new growth. Leave some berries on the shrub for the birds, which feast on them once other food grows scarce in late fall and early winter.
An ornamental shrub of strong wildlife value - the summer flowers feed bees and the brilliant fall berries are an important late-season food for songbirds. The fruit is not a people food at this species (the native American beautyberry berries are edible cooked); non-toxic and safe around pets and children.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.