American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Zones 6–13
Growing
This woody shrub is a standout addition to any landscape, particularly if you want to attract a diverse range of pollinators like various bees. When you are establishing new plants from cuttings or divisions, ensure they are placed in a location that receives full sun or partial sun. Because this species naturally spreads by dropping its own seeds, you may notice new seedlings appearing around the parent plant over time.
To keep your shrub looking its best, focus your pruning efforts during the fall or winter. Since the vibrant berries only develop on new growth, you should cut away older stems to encourage fresh, productive wood. While generally hardy, keep an eye on the foliage for signs of leaf spots or black mold, which can occasionally affect the plant.
If you are growing this in a container, ensure the pot provides even moisture and stays well-drained. This plant is quite adaptable to various soil conditions, as it thrives in a wide range of pH levels. Whether you are planting it in the ground or in a pot, its ability to survive hard freezes makes it a reliable, long-lasting feature for your garden.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | — |
| Height | >6ft |
| Spacing | >24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✗ |
| Life cycle | perennial |
|---|---|
| Category | flowering shrub |
| Growth habit | shrub |
| Frost tolerance | hardy |
| Height | over 6ft |
| Spacing | over 24in |
| Days to bloom | over 150 |
| Native us | ✓ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | moist |
| Soil ph min | 4.5 |
| Soil ph max | 8.0 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✓ |
| Division | ✓ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✓ |
| Container ok | ✓ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | ✗ |
| Drought tolerant | ✗ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | — |
| Pets | — |
| Livestock | ✗ |
| Length | 2–6wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✗ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✗ |
| Purple | ✗ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Visitors | |
|---|---|
| Honey bees | ✓ |
| Native bees | ✓ |
| Bumblebees | ✓ |
| Butterflies | ✓ |
| Moths | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds | ✗ |
| Beneficial insects | ✓ |
| Nectar | medium |
| Pollen | medium |
| Larval host | ✗ |
| Specialist bees | ✗ |
| Seed for birds | ✓ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
References: Wikipedia · USDA plant guide · USDA fact sheet · how this data is made