Callicarpa bodinieri Magical Snowstar Kolmsnostar

The Callicarpa bodinieri 'Magical Snowstar KOLMSNOSTAR' may not stand out during the summer season, but it shines at the end of summer and in autumn with its fruiting of small, white berries that resemble snow and do not brown. These berries remain attractive for a long time and complement the plant's well-coloured autumn foliage, which dresses its naked branches in winter. This hardy and adaptable plant can be planted in front of a large mass of bushes or used as a free hedge in a sunny or semi-shaded area.

The Callicarpa bodinieri Magical Snowstar is a recently developed horticultural variety from Bodinier's Beautyberry. This deciduous bush was initially classified as part of the Verbena family but has now been transferred to the Mint family, including Salvia and Mint. This plant is native to central China and Vietnam. Minier Nurseries created the Magical Snowstar Callicarpa. The bush has an upright and bushy habit, reaching a height of 2m (6 ft 7 in) to 2.50m (8 ft 2 in) and a width of 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) to 2m (6 ft 7 in) at maturity. The plant produces small, discreet flowers on the current year's branches in June-July, with a pinkish-purple colour and yellow stamens. This flowering is followed in early October by forming numerous berries, which are 3.5 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) in diameter, shiny, and pure white, grouped in small clusters along the stems. They often remain until the heart of winter. The foliage is composed of entire, oval-elliptic leaves that are dark green on the upper side and paler and velvety on the underside. They take on beautiful autumnal colours, ranging from yellow to orange.

For a cheerful sight during the gloomy days of early winter, plant the Callicarpa bodinieri Magical Snowstar in a prominent location. This hardy bush is low maintenance and produces white berries that shine in autumn. To improve pollination and fruit formation, plant the Callicarpa in groups of three. You can further enhance its beauty by planting a carpet of Stachys byzantina or candytuft around it. You can also cut the fruit-covered branches to make bouquets, along with mistletoe and holly.