beautyberry: the name says it all

“What’s in a name?” Shakespeare queried. “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Yet some plants are perfectly named, telling you everything you need to know in a few simple words. Perhaps no shrub is as aptly named as the American Beautyberry. For a good portion of the year, this bush bears clusters of small, shiny, brilliantly purple berries that add a spash of color to any landscape.

This Florida native has a place in nearly any yard, especially in that dull corner you need to fill with eye-catching foliage. I have it on the north side of my house, a seldom-visited shady site that is a little less cultivated than other parts of the garden. It grows very quickly, providing nearly instant gratification for impatient gardeners like me.

The Facts:

• Name: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
• Exposure: Partial sun to full shade (avoid full sun)
• Water: Very drought-tolerant, which is somewhat unusual for a shade-loving plant
• Hardiness: Zones 6 – 10; does not seem to be affected by frost
• Where to Buy: Any nursery that specializes in natives tends to carry these
  

Beautyberry is somewhat of a sprawling shrub – the branches stretch out widely, eventually bending gracefully under the weight of the berries. New growth provides the most berries, so I like to prune mine during the winter. In the spring, lilac-colored flowers appear where the leaves meet the branches; by mid-summer, the green berries have grown in, and the deep purple color develops by early autumn.

The shiny berries are purported to be attractive to wildlife, but I find that even mockingbirds tend to leave these alone when any other food is available. The vibrant berries decorate the bush for months at a time, there for human eyes to enjoy. Beautyberry proves that sometimes the name says it all!

DON’T FORGET! The USF Botanical Gardens Annual Fall Plant Sale is this weekend – Saturday 10 – 4 and Sunday 10 – 3! Drop by to visit the beautiful gardens and bring some cash to spend at any of over 60 vendor booths. Hint: Keep your eye out for native plants you might have difficulty finding in other places. Admission, $5. Click here for complete details!