AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRY

American beautyberry is a deciduous shrub that grows 3 -5’ tall and wide. It can grow to
9’. The plant naturally has a graceful, arching form. Beautyberry is at its best in the fall
when clusters of glossy, iridescent-purple fruit ring the branches at leaf axils. Heavy
clumps of berries are especially showy after leaves have fallen in winter. American
beautyberry is a wonderful understory shrub, but it does not like to be hedged. Some
plants have white berries; however, the purple-berried plants tend to perform better.
Planting Sites: Well-drained, moist sandy, loam, or clay soils in part or dappled sun. It needs space for its long, arching
branches.

Planting Instructions: Space plants 5 – 7’ apart. Dig hole slightly larger than, but the same depth as the nursery container. Carefully remove plant from container and gently loosen any compacted soil or roots around the root ball. Plant at the same depth as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.

Watering Instructions: Water well after planting, using a root stimulator mixed according to directions. For about 3 months, water deeply when top 2 – 3” of soil is dry to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. Skip a watering after a rainfall of ½” to 1”.

Comments: Birds, especially the Northern bobwhite, are attracted to the berries in winter. White-tailed deer like the American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana

Planting and care instructions provided by the Lindheimer Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas