Great Plant Pick: Profusion beautyberry

  • Wednesday, November 8, 2023 1:30am
  • Life
In early autumn, the open arching branches of Profusion beautyberry are loaded with clusters of glowing purple berries. (Richie Steffen)

In early autumn, the open arching branches of Profusion beautyberry are loaded with clusters of glowing purple berries. (Richie Steffen)

What: In full fruit, this amazing shrub is an unforgettable sight! In early autumn, the open arching branches of Profusion beautyberry — Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii Profusion — are loaded with clusters of glowing purple berries. Once the leaves have dropped, it can not be passed without comment. Most beauty berries require more than one shrub to set fruit, but Profusion is self-fertile and will always produce a reliable crop of gorgeous berries.

Where: Beautyberry prefers full sun or light to open shade with rich, well-drained soil.

Size: Six inches high by 6 feet wide in 10 years.

Care: Water it regularly during dry weather to help the fruit fully develop. It is a large, open-growing shrub and little pruning is needed other than removing older twiggy growth to maintain vigor.

— greatplantpicks.org

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