Here’s a late bloomer that is well worth the wait. Spring and summer fly by, and this seemingly plain shrub looks like it wants to hide in the garden unnoticed. But when summer ends, watch out. Early Amethyst Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’) is about to take center stage.
Why do we love this plant? For one, it’s low maintenance, able to thrive in a full sun to partial shade setting, and not picky about soil pH, although it does appreciate regular watering. In early spring, as new growth appears, you can cut it all the way back to the ground and it grows quickly to 4 feet tall and just as wide. This rabbit- and deer-resistant shrub also has interesting shape, with long branches that curve all the way to the ground.
Beautyberry’s best time of year is early fall, when its arching branches become encrusted with striking purple berries. Berries are loved by birds, too. Leaves then turn golden yellow in fall. Try Beautyberry in a mass planting in a location that needs some fall drama!
