Callicarpa dichotoma

Callicarpa dichotoma is a plant species native to Asia, with small round berries clustered together in colourful groups. It is commonly known as the candy tree or bush. This plant is perfect for small spaces and is easy to grow. The fruit of this plant is a beautiful violet with metallic reflections and can be seen on the bare branches from autumn to winter, sometimes even until December. It can be planted in any ordinary soil, even limestone, provided summer is not too dry.

The Callicarpa dichotoma is native to Chinese mid-mountain forests, it is hardy to around -12°C (10.4 °F) and not demanding in terms of soil. This deciduous bush is traditionally classified in the Verbena family, but is now transferred to the Lamiaceae family, where you find sage and mint. A small dense and bushy shrub, it has an elegant habit supported by long branches that gracefully bend. Often wider than tall at maturity, this callicarpa does not exceed 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in height when mature. It produces, in June-July, on the current year's branches, clustered in clusters at the nodes, numerous small pale pink flowers with yellow stamens. This flowering, visited by pollinating insects, is followed in September-October by the formation of numerous berries, 3.5 to 4 mm in diameter, of a brilliant violet, grouped in clusters along the stems. They often remain until the heart of winter. The deciduous foliage is composed of large entire, ovate-elliptical, veined leaves, more purplish green at the end of summer when the fruits form, then turning pale yellow in autumn before falling. 

To enjoy the beautiful violet berries of the callicarpa in autumn, it's best to plant them in a prominent spot. These berries are a cheerful sight during the gloomy early winter days. For better pollination and fruit formation, it's recommended to plant callicarpa in groups of three. This accommodating shrub requires little maintenance and can be nicely complemented by a Carpet of Basket-of-Gold. Its autumn foliage can be paired with that of Lysimachia clethroides or golden hostas ('Daybreak', 'On Stage'). Other shrubs with decorative berries, such as symphorines, a small strawberry tree 'Compacta', mahonia, holly and Cotoneaster franchetii, can be grown alongside it.