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Shrubs

Callicarpa japonica

A deciduous shrub to 1.5m high, with a rounded habit and narrowly ovate, tapered and slightly serrated green leaves. In summer, produces small, very pale pink flowers in clusters along the stems, these are followed in autumn by small, glossy purple berries

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1–1.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Callicarpa can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, with simple, opposite leaves and tiny white pink or purple flowers in axillary clusters, followed by small, usually colourful fruits. Several shrubs grown together ensures pollination for successful fruiting
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well drained soil in sun or part shade. Fruits best when grown in groups; at least two plants are needed to ensure pollination and berry production

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Cut flowers
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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