Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii Profusion (Beautyberry)

One of the best ornamental fruiting shrubs, Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ (Beautyberry) is a medium-sized deciduous shrub, primarily grown for its eye-catching display of purple berries dotting every arching branch like beads on a string.

One of the best ornamental fruiting shrubs, Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion' (Beautyberry) is a medium-sized deciduous shrub, primarily grown for its eye-catching display of purple berries dotting every arching branch like beads on a string. 'Profusion' bears clusters of small, lilac flowers along the stems in summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies, they are abundantly followed by compact clusters of bright, glossy, violet-purple fruits in early fall, which persist after the leaves have fallen and stand out beautifully until early winter. Adding rich color to the landscape, they make a lovely contrast with the foliage of lanceolate, purplish leaves when young, that turns rosy-pink in fall. A spectacular sight in fall and early winter.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows with an upright habit, up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium, well-drained soils. Best flowering and fruit production occurs in full sun. May become leggy in too much shade. Fairly adaptable to different soil types, but fertile soil with good drainage is preferred.
  • Easy to grow and low maintenance, this plant is affected by very few pests and diseases. It is also rarely bothered by deer
  • Mass in mixed shrub borders, foundation plantings. Perfect also as specimen plant or deciduous hedge or screen. Best fruit production occurs when these Beautyberry shrubs are planted in groups or massed (better cross-pollination).
  • Blooms on new growth. Little pruning is needed other than removing older twiggy growth to maintain vigor
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 8

Climate Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Callicarpa – Beautyberries
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 72″ (180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden