The Beautyberry shrub is fairly well known to nurseryman in their native range .
They are found in the south east of North America , from Texas , through Florida , and Second Earl of Guilford to Oklahoma and Arkansas .
In those regions , these stunning tripping purple berries really survive up to their name . They bring burst of color to rich timber and copse , and have set up a place in many garden .
Beautyberry is far less well cognise outside of these regions , but the American Beautyberry is unfearing down to zone 7 , and sometimes zone 6 .
It could find a place in many gardens , even outside of its native range .
There are other beautyberry miscellany that can be grown – such as the Japanese beautyberry ( some more liberal of cold climate zona ) . However , it is the American diversity that we will focalise on in this article .
What Is American Beautyberry?
Callicarpa americanais deciduous shrub that grows slow to an eventual acme of around 1.8 m.
It is a hemaphrodite ( with both manlike and distaff Hammond organ on the same plant life ) . It need cross - pollenation for good yield yield ( so should not be grown in isolation ) .
The heyday appear between June and July . They are lavender colored , and rather inconspicuous , but do draw beneficial wildlife .
It is the pictorial , wanton - over-embellished berries that travel along the blooms , however , which cater the greatest value .
Why Grow Beautyberry in Your Backyard?
There are a range of reasons to growCallicarpa americanain your garden .
They are grown not only because of their attractive Berry , which can have a outstanding ornamental worth .
You should also study spring up them in your backyard because :
Where to Grow Beautyberry
Beautyberry will fruit best when planted in an area of partial shadiness – such as in a clearing , beneath the dappled shade of a deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , or close to the fringes of a forest or woodland garden . However , it can also do well where no shade is available , as long as the soil does not dry out too much .
The plant will originate substantially in well - drained but moist grime – ideally a loamy ( medium ) one . They are not too fussy when it comes to soil pH.
Growing Beautyberry…
From Seed
Beautyberry seed should be sown in early summer for transplanting outside in fall , or sown in late drop to transplant in natural spring .
come should only just be cover with your growing culture medium . The seeds are moderately slow to burgeon forth , but should germinate within 1 - 3 month at 65F.
When they are big enough to care , seedling can be pricked out into individual pots .
They can be transplanted outside in either spring or surrender .
You canpurchase beautyberry seeds from here .
From Cuttings
Beautyberry can also be propagate from cuttings . Cuttings of current time of year ’s increment can be taken in early spring . Semi - ripe cuttings of around 10 cm long can also be take on in July or August .
Buy Established Plants
If you ’d rather purchase set up beautyberry plant for inst satisfaction in your backyard , thenNature Hills Nursery proffer three varieties of mature beautyberry shrubs here .
Caring for American Beautyberry
The works needs more water in a gay spot . In the shade of other industrial plant or trees , in suitable moist sun , it should involve short watering . However , it should be give way slow , mysterious lachrymation during particularly wry spells . An in of water per calendar week is idealistic , but they can do fine in drier conditions .
Callicarpa americanais anideal downcast - maintenance plant . They do not demand to be fertilize . In fact , over - feed , especially with a N - deep provender can in reality be detrimental , as it will lead in fewer berries .
Beautyberry blooms on new wood . Pruning is not always required , but can be guarantee ( for shaping and form ) in tardy winter if desired . At the northerly closing of their range , the plants are sometimes lop down to within a groundwork of the undercoat each year , just before springtime arrives .
Harvesting & Using Beautyberries
As mention above , the berries ofCallicarpa americanaare comestible . Here are a few recipes to help you make best use of the flora :
Beautyberry Jelly
To make a beautyberry jelly – popular in Florida – you’re able to :
See the recipe and process for beautyberry jellyhere .
Beautyberry As A Mosquito Repellent
Both the leaves and the berries ofCallicarpa americanahave been used as an insect repellant by native Americans and pioneers .
coquette up , and rubbed onto the cutis , they are effective at repelling mosquito . USDA research hasbacked up this claim .
you could make a homemade ointment that will serve as a mosquito repellent by following the formula on one of the links below :
rude Beautyberry Bug Repellent@ thegrownetwork.com
Natural Mosquito Repellent@ txnativeplants.org
However you choose to use beautyberries , however , be sure to leave some for the razz and other wildlife . They are utilitarian for man , but these are one of those flora that are most useful when entrust in your garden to supercharge biodiversity and create a raw balance in the ecosystem .
Want to summate an established beautyberry bush to your backyard ? You canpurchase ripe beautyberry plants from Nature Hills Nursery here .
