Callicarpa bodinieri Profusion
Beauty Berry
Position
- Full sun or partial shade
- A sheltered position is beneficial, especially in exposed areas.
Hardiness
- Hardy to -15°C (5°F)
- It can tolerate colder temperatures with good drainage and winter protection (mulch)
Soil Type
- Well-drained soil is essential
- It tolerates various soil types, including clay, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil PH
- Adaptable; tolerates a range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
- Neutral pH is generally ideal
Height
- Typically reaches 2.5-4 metres (8-13 feet) tall and wide
Seasons of Interest
- Summer interest from its flowers (June-August)
- Primarily autumn and winter interest from its berries (lasting well into winter)
- The foliage turns attractive shades of purple in the autumn.
Additional Notes
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Planting: Plant several shrubs together for best berry production (cross-pollination). Spring planting is recommended.
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Pruning: Minimal pruning needed, but light pruning in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead/damaged wood is beneficial.
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Pests & Diseases: Generally pest and disease resistant, though slugs may be a problem in damp conditions.
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Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. A balanced fertiliser in spring can improve growth and flowering/fruiting.
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Soil Improvement: If your soil is heavy clay, improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost before planting.
Callicarpa bodinieri: The Stunning Beauty Berry for Your Garden
This guide delves into the captivating world of Callicarpa bodinieri, specifically the popular ‘Profusion’ variety. Learn everything you need to know about this striking shrub, from planting and care to its stunning autumn display. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you cultivate this prize-winning plant.
What is Callicarpa bodinieri?
Callicarpa bodinieri, known as the beauty berry, is a deciduous shrub boasting vibrant colour. This medium-sized plant brings a dramatic display to the autumn garden. The Callicarpa bodinieri Profusion is especially prized. Its striking purple berries appear on bare branches, creating a truly unforgettable autumn and winter spectacle. This is a relatively low-maintenance plant once established. This showy plant is perfect for adding a burst of colour to any garden.
Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ is a particularly popular cultivar. It’s known for its abundant clusters of vibrant purple berries. This beautyberry offers a unique visual interest, contrasting its dark green summer foliage with the bare branches laden with tiny lilac berries in autumn.
Why Choose Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’?
The Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ variety (also known as Callicarpa bodinieri var giraldii profusion) stands out for its incredible abundance of berries. This plant, reaching 3m in height, provides a permanent framework for your garden. This AGM (Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society) winner ensures vibrant colour in even the most challenging conditions.
Its remarkable berry production, coupled with its relatively easy care requirements makes this plant a favourite among gardeners. The plant’s attractive foliage throughout the year adds appeal to this already exceptional garden plant. The mature plant is a truly stunning sight.
How to Plant Callicarpa bodinieri?
Selecting the right spot is key to successful cultivation. Callicarpa bodinieri prefers well-drained soil, and a position in full sun or partial shade is ideal. While they tolerate a range of conditions, well-drained soil promotes optimal growth. Avoid lime-rich soil, to avoid problems with the young foliage. It’s recommended to plant this shrub in a sunny location to help the plant thrive and produce plentiful fruit.
Plant several plants close together, to encourage cross-pollination and ensure the best possible fruit production. This will increase the prolific display of berries that the plant is known for. Planting in early spring gives the roots the best chance to establish themselves before winter, ensuring a vibrant display of violet berries.
Caring for Your Callicarpa bodinieri
Watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains moist, but avoid waterlogging. This plant doesn’t usually require heavy pruning. However, you can prune in early spring, shaping the plant to maintain the size and form you desire. Light pruning will keep your plant looking good and producing more berries each season.
Feeding your Callicarpa bodinieri is important, particularly in the early years. Using a balanced fertiliser will help your plant to grow and produce masses of fruit. This ensures vibrant colour and a generous display of berries. Remember, a well-fed plant is a happy and healthy plant.
What are the key features of Callicarpa bodinieri leaves and flowers?
Callicarpa bodinieri boasts attractive foliage. The leaves are large, oval, and dark green in summer. These turn a beautiful bronze-purple hue in autumn before falling. The plant’s showy flowers, clusters of small pink flowers in summer, are also an attractive feature, though the berries are the plant’s main attraction.
When does Callicarpa bodinieri flower and fruit?
The Callicarpa bodinieri shrub is deciduous. It displays tiny star-shaped lilac-coloured flowers in summer which are followed by large clusters of vibrant purple berries. These berries typically appear in late summer and persist through autumn and winter, often remaining long after the leaves have fallen. This provides a unique and striking display of colourful berries against bare branches laden with berries.
What’s the best way to prune Callicarpa bodinieri?
Pruning is usually unnecessary but can be done in early spring to maintain shape and size. Heavy pruning should be avoided, as it can reduce flowering and fruiting. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches and lightly prune the stem to maintain the plant’s desired form. This ensures a healthy and visually appealing plant.
How hardy is Callicarpa bodinieri?
This plant is hardy and will tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). In colder areas, it’s advisable to provide some winter protection, such as a mulch around the base of the plant. The plant’s hardiness makes it an ideal choice for gardens across the UK.
What kind of soil does Callicarpa bodinieri prefer?
Callicarpa bodinieri thrives in moist, well-drained soil, but it is adaptable to a range of soil types. Well-drained soil prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other issues. This aspect of plant care ensures that the soil conditions remain fertile, supporting plant health and berry production.
What are the potential problems with Callicarpa bodinieri?
While generally trouble-free, Callicarpa bodinieri can occasionally suffer from problems with slugs. These can be deterred with appropriate pest control measures. Otherwise, this tough plant is relatively low maintenance and rarely experiences significant issues.
Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ – A Summary
- A medium-sized deciduous shrub, reaching up to 3m.
- Stunning purple berries in autumn and winter.
- AGM award-winning plant
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position.
- Minimal maintenance once established, but light pruning in early spring is recommended.
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F).
- A truly spectacular addition to any garden.
With its vibrant colour and minimal care needs, Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ makes an exceptional addition to your garden. This hardy shrub offers a unique autumn and winter display, providing months of interest and colour for even the busiest gardener. Give this spectacular beauty berry a try – you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’?
A: It’s a stunning beautyberry shrub that produces gorgeous clusters of lilac-coloured berries, often seen in arrangements that attract wildlife. This ornamental plant is known for its compact growth and vibrant colours, particularly in autumn.
Q: How do I care for my Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’?
A: These shrubs thrive in well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and prune to maintain their shape and encourage growth.
Q: When do the berries appear on the beautyberry shrub?
A: You’ll typically see those stunning bead-like berries from late summer to early autumn. The vibrant violet-purple colour really stands out against the green foliage!
Q: Can I grow Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ in a pot?
A: Absolutely! These medium-sized shrubs can be grown in pots—just ensure they have enough space and good drainage. They make a fantastic ornamental addition to patios or balconies.
Q: Does the foliage of Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ change colour?
A: Yes! The green leaves usually turn a beautiful purple in autumn, creating a stunning display before they drop. It’s worth keeping an eye on them as the season changes.
Q: Are beautyberry shrubs easy to pollinate?
A: Yes, they generally do well with natural pollination, but planting multiple shrubs together can improve the pollination process, resulting in more berries.
Q: What kind of soil is best for beautyberry shrubs?
A: Well-drained soil is essential. Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ prefers a loamy or sandy soil mix that allows for good drainage to keep the roots healthy.
Q: How big do Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ shrubs get?
A: These lovely shrubs typically grow to about 3 to 4 feet in height and width, making them a bushy addition to your garden without taking up too much space.
Q: Can I use beautyberry in landscaping?
A: Definitely! Their striking clusters of lilac-coloured berries and vibrant foliage make them ideal for borders or as a focal point in garden beds. Plus, they attract birds!
Q: Can I buy Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ online?
A: Absolutely! You can purchase Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’ from SwiftPlants.com or other reputable garden centres
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