CALLICARPA kwangtungensis

Description

The Plant

CALLICARPA kwangtungensis, also called Chinese beautyberry or simply beautyberry, is not comparable to other common forms of CALLICARPA. This shrub is particularly spectacular in autumn. Indeed, it then displays pink or even violet fruits in clusters along the branches. In addition, its deciduous foliage, rather elongated and usually green, colours at this time in bright yellow and pink.

This extraordinary plant is quite compact with a size not exceeding 2 meters. This makes it perfect for small gardens, flower beds, and hedges.

Then, its rarity makes it a plant of choice for collectors and gardeners seeking originality.

Despite all its qualities, this shrub is very easy to grow and resistant to severe cold.

Origine and History

The botanist Woon Young Chun described CALLICARPA kwangtungensis for the first time in 1934. This plant is historically linked to the Guangdong region, which is reflected in its Chinese vernacular name Purple Pearl of Guangdong. Indeed, it grows there in subtropical forests often in the shade of larger plants.

Finally, unlike CALLICARPA bodinieri and CALLICARPA americana, C. kwangtungensis is rarely found for sale in nurseries.

How to plant and care for CALLICARPA kwangtungensis?

The Planting

Even though it is an easy plant to grow, consider the following points:

1. Find it a place in partial shade since it is an undergrowth plant.
2. The soil must be moderately moist.
3. The soil can be light or normal with an acidic, neutral, or calcareous pH.
4. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Caring

As with any freshly planted shrub, ensure regular watering during the first two years in dry periods. Also read our tips on how to water well and save water here.

If you feel the need, you can prune this beautyberry in January or February, but in any case before the development of new shoots.