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‘Early Amethyst’

Beautyberry

Callicarpa dichotoma

'Early Amethyst'

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Close up of Callicarpa Early Amethyst with purple berries

Close up of Callicarpa Early Amethyst with purple berries and bronze fall color

Colorful fruit
Perfect for cutting
Deer resistant

Description: Get these beloved berries earlier! 'Early Amethyst' callicarpa offers an earlier crop of bright purple berries than other beautyberry varieties. This rounded shrub is perfect for mixed borders, perennial beds, and cutting gardens- these berry-filled branches look stunning in fall arrangements. ‘Early Amethyst’ beautyberry tolerates all soil types, deer, and drought.

USDA Zone: 5 - 8 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 3 - 4'
Width: 4 - 5'
Finish Time: .5 season
Type: Deciduous
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Purple
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4"

General Care

Soil

Callicarpa is not fussy about soil and will grow in average conditions.

Pruning

Trim to the ground in early spring.

Uses

Mixed borders; perennial beds; foundation plantings; cutting gardens.

Growing Tips

In colder areas, callicarpa may die back to the ground, but will resprout. Avoid cutting back until signs of new growth appear. Makes an excellent cut flower for fall harvest, though it does not dry or preserve well. Birds may eat the berries once they've softened, but they are not typically a first-choice food. No pollinator is required, though fruit set is typically heavier if planted en masse.

Features: Cut flower, Fall interest, Deer resistant, Drought tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Callicarpa, Common name: Beautyberry, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Green foliage