Plant Of The Month - October - Callicarpa bodinieri Giraldii ‘Profusion’

The common name of Callicarpa is ‘Beauty Berry’ and it’s not difficult to see why – clusters of almost metallic violet-purple berries like shiny beads are born on its branches just as the leaves begin to fall, and persist

‘Profusion’ is an improvement on the species as it is reliably self fertile, although growing a group of Callicarpa will result in a more showy display.

 It may be trimmed to shape in early spring.  This fully hardy, medium sized shrub grows to 3m by 2.5m in ordinary soil (provided it has good drainage) in a sheltered, sunny position.  It carries masses of tiny lilac flowers in summer.   Callicarpa is generally untroubled by pest and disease.