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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

PURPLE PEARLS®

Beautyberry

Callicarpa x

'NCCX1'

PP#26,000

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Close up of a cluster of bright purple berries of the Purple Pearls Callicarpa Upright branches on Purple Pearls Callicarpa dotted with clusters of bright purple berries Purple Pearls Callicarpa in trial field Close up of pink Purple Pearls Callicarpa flowers on dark purple foliage YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Colorful foliage
  • Bright fruit
  • Space-saving habit
Description

Distinctive pink flowers. Purple Pearls® callicarpa is a cross between C. dichotoma x kwantungensis, resulting in bold purple foliage and a strong, space-saving, upright habit. Appealing pink flowers appear in late summer alongside bright purple berries, giving this shrub outstanding color. Fast to grow and profitable for both finish growers and cut flower production.

USDA Zone
5 - 8 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
2 - 3'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer - fall
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Purple

Soil

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

Pruning

Prune back 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.

  • Spec Sheet: Purple Pearls® Callicarpa
  • Grower Sheet: Purple Pearls® Callicarpa
  • Tag: Purple Pearls® Callicarpa
  • Benchcard: Purple Pearls® Callicarpa

    • Features: Foliage interest, Deer resistant, Cut flower, Drought tolerant, Fall interest, Disease resistant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Callicarpa, Common name: Beautyberry, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Purple foliage

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Callicarpa, Common name: Beautyberry, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Purple foliage