Callicarpa kwangtungensis

Callicarpa kwangtungensis is an original and unusual bush, very decorative, of modest size, forming a pretty dense and compact bush. Of great refinement, graceful and naturally elegant, it not only displays splendid foliage colours, but also and above all, a profusion of clusters of purple berries, like pearls, persisting throughout the winter on the bare branches. Very rare, it is to be adopted without delay in the garden for its attractive and luminous fruiting!

Callicarpa kwangtungensis is native to the mixed forests of the southern mountains of China. Commonly called Beautyberry, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This Chinese Callicarpa is a beautiful ornamental and highly decorative bush, of modest size, measuring 1.50m (4ft 11in) in all directions, with a bushy and upright habit, adorned with purple young twigs. Its deciduous foliage is composed of very long and narrow leaves, reaching up to 25cm (9.8in) in length. The young leaves are initially purple, then a beautiful dark green, with violet veins, and then take on magnificent orange and pink hues in autumn. In July-August, tiny white and mauve flowers appear, gathered in axillary clusters measuring 3cm (1.2in) in diameter. They are followed in autumn by bouquets of shiny spherical purple berries, similar to small marbles or pearls. These remain decorative for a long time, as they persist throughout the winter, even after the leaves have fallen. To obtain abundant flowering and fruiting, it is advisable to plant several specimens close to each other, in order to ensure better pollination.

Very easy to grow, it requires little maintenance. Very accommodating, it thrives in ordinary to fertile, well-drained soil, and appreciates a sunny or semi-shaded exposure. It can be planted as a specimen where its fruiting and magnificent autumn foliage will be highlighted. However, it is rather recommended to plant it in groups as the proximity of several specimens ensures better pollination and therefore more abundant fruiting. It will ideally be placed in a country hedge, or within a shrub border, in the company of shrubs with autumn or winter flowering; or even associated with perennials with summer, late or winter flowering. It will blend perfectly with other attractive fruiting shrubs, such as other species of Callicarpa, Snowberries, Dogwoods... Its branches with highly decorative berries will make superb autumn foliage and branch bouquets, and will also wonderfully garnish flower bouquets in the house.

Callicarpa kwangtungensis was described and named in 1934 by Woon Young Chun (1890-1971), a Chinese botanist who was one of the founders of contemporary Chinese botany. It has been used for a very long time in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant properties.