Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii Profusion

The Callicarpa bodinieri var. geraldii 'Profusion' is an old variety, and probably the most planted callicarpa in gardens. It seduces with the abundance and very bright violet colour of its fruits, which resemble small shiny pearls. This surprising fruiting adorms this deciduous bush in autumn and winter, transforming the plant. It displays numerous purple young shoots in spring, which are also very decorative, and its autumn foliage, orange to purple, is highly ornamental. Very hardy once well established, preferring sunny exposures, this bush is a safe choice that adapts to any ordinary soil if not too dry in summer.

The Callicarpa bodinieri is a bush traditionally classified in the family Verbenaceae, now transferred to the family Lamiaceae, where we find sage and mint. This plant is native to central China and Vietnam. The Callicarpa 'Profusion', more fruitful than the species, conquered Europe around the 1900s. This deserving bush received the "Award of Garden Merit" from the Royal Horticultural Society of England and the Courson award in 1992. A small bush with an upright and bushy habit, it does not exceed 2m (6 to 7ft) in height and 1.50m (4.9ft) in width at maturity. It  produces abundant small pinkish-purple flowers with yellow stamens on the current year's branches in June-July. This flowering is followed in early October by the formation of numerous berries, 3.5 to 4mm (0.14 to 0.16in) in diameter, of intense violet colour, grouped in small clusters along the stems. They often persist until the heart of winter. The foliage is composed of entire, ovate-elliptical leaves, dark green on the upper side, paler and downy on the underside. They take on beautiful autumnal colours, ranging from yellow to mauve-purple, passing through orange and faded red.

Plant the Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion' in a prominent place, not too far from the house, 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 bush, which requires very little maintenance, will be enhanced by a carpet of Stachys byzantina or Silver Basket. Its autumn foliage will go well with that of Lysimachia clethroides or golden Hostas ('Daybreak', 'On Stage'). A background composed of Pseudocydonia sinensis, Cotinus, Parrotia persica or deciduous euonymus with sumptuous autumn foliage is the ideal setting for the violet pearls of this unique bush! In a bouquet, its bejewelled branches can be combined with the velvety crimson clusters of sumacs, crested barley spikes, long plumes of amaranths, and a few branches of red dye vine and white gauras...