The first time I saw plant of the week: Callicarpa bodinieri I stopped in my tracks. Were those purple/violet berries with an almost metallic lustre for real? Indeed they were. Beautyberries as they are also known, are a sight for sore eyes, they look like fine pearls hanging from the branches of this shrub. Who put them there? A question without answer no doubt, but what is sure is that this plant will be a conversation starter at autumn garden parties.
Beautyberry (such an appropriate name!) derives from west-central China and is a deciduous, relatively hardy plant. In spring it has small, pretty, white pink or purple flowers in axillary clusters. Several shrubs grown together ensures pollination for successful fruiting. Where I live it requires a sunny, sheltered location. In milder areas it can also tolerate partial shade and even some exposure to wind. Soil may have acid, alkaline and neutral pH-values but needs to be well-draining.
This plant is considered low-maintenance. It has a bushy growth habit and will after about 10 odd years reach a maximum height of around 4 metres. I reckon that it will look good both in a cottage/informal garden as well as one with a more contemporary feel. If the above requirements are met I would put it fairly near a socialising area. As I suggested, as the leaves fall, and even before, it will get people talking and the party started.
