Common Name: Beautyberry

General Information

Callicarpa japonica is a deciduous shrub with slender, upright-arching branches; it can grow up to 2 metres tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a tea substitute. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its colourful fruitsand sometimes used as a hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, , ,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

A pioneer species of cut-over lands[]. Mixed forests on mountain slopes or in valleys; at elevations from 200 - 900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callicarpa japonica grows from the cold temperate to subtropical regions of southern and eastern China, where it is found in hardiness zones 5 - 10. Selected forms are tolerant of moderate frost and, in general should succeed outdoors in much of the temperate zone[, , ].
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade[, , 352[. The best flowering and fruiti set comes from plants grown in full sun. Stems can become leggy in too much shade[]. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil[, ].
Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
The plant flowers and fruits on the current season's growth and so any pruning is best done whilst the plant is dormant[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction of the dried, powdered leaf is used to treat intestinal bleeding[]. A decoction of the fresh leaf is used to treat sore throats[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse[]. Only just cover the seed[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm long, mid summer in a frame. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth with a heel[] taken in early spring[].