Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Botanical name

Callicarpa americana

Other names

American beautyberry, French mulberry, American beauty berry

Genus

Callicarpa Callicarpa

Species

C. americana - C. americana is an open, arching, deciduous shrub with ovate to elliptic, toothed, mid-green leaves and small clusters of insignificant violet, pink, or white flowers in late spring and early summer are followed by magenta to bright violet fruit.

Native to

Southeastern United States

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Arching, Open branches

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Colour

Flower

White, Violet, Pink, Insignificant or absent in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 2.

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal

Cultivation

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/