Callicarpa bodinieri Imperial Pearl

Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl' is a very recent French selection, rather discreet during the summer months, that is more fruitful and vigorous than the 'Profusion' selection. This deciduous shrub reveals itself at the end of summer and in autumn with its beautiful flamboyant foliage, taking on orange to red, even purple hues, but also thanks to its clusters of round and shiny berries, that are intensely amethyst-violet and remarkably abundant. With well-branched vegetation, it displays numerous young purple shoots in spring that are also very decorative. It will find its place in front of a large mass of bushes or free hedge, in a sunny or semi-shaded exposure.

Callicarpa bodinieri is traditionally classified in the family of Verbenaceae, but nowadays has been transferred to the Lamiaceae family, where we find the salvias and mints. This plant is native to central China and Vietnam. Callicarpa bodinieri Imperial Pearl is a selection from the Minier nurseries, introduced in 2014. A small shrub with an upright and bushy habit, it does not exceed 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) at maturity. In June-July, it produces on the current year's branches an abundant display of discreet small flowers with a pink-violet and yellow colour and yellow stamens. This flowering is followed at the beginning of October by the formation of numerous violet berries, 3.5 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) in diameter, grouped in small clusters all along the stems. They often persist until the middle of winter. The foliage is composed of entire, ovate-elliptical leaves, dark green on the upper side, paler and hairy on the underside. They take on sumptuous autumnal hues, ranging from yellow to mauve-violet, passing through orange and faded red.

Install Callicarpa bodinieri in a prominent place to enjoy its beautiful violet berries, which shine in autumn and are so cheerful during the gloomy days of early winter. It is advisable to plant callicarpa in groups of three to improve pollination and therefore fruit formation. This very hardy and accommodating shrub, which requires very little maintenance, will be enhanced by a carpet of Stachys byzantina or silver basket, for example. Its autumn foliage will blend well with that of Lysimachia clethroides or golden Hostas ('Daybreak', 'On Stage').