Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst' (Beautyberry)

Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst' is a cultivar of purple beautyberry, a rounded, compact, and eye-catching native shrub that grows to only 2-4' tall and about as wide. In the spring, pale green foliage emerges, followed by pink-lavender flowers in June that attract bees and butterflies. Pollinated blooms turn to showy berry clusters in the fall, which contrasts well with light green early autumn foliage; while you might have to wait till late fall to see a good show from other beautyberry cultivars, 'Early Amethyst' starts its show several weeks before other plants. Striking purple berries persist after leaves have fallen in the late fall or winter, leaving food for the birds and mammals, and adding multi-season interest. Easily found in the landscape by its clusters of vivid, purple berries Callicarpa americana is a great addition to the landscape for both fall and winter.

Purple beautyberry refers full sun to part shade and can be easily grown in a variety of dry to moist, well-drained soils; once established, Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst' is also drought tolerant. For the best visual effects and berry production, purple beautyberry can be planted in masses and screens, and it also works well as a naturalized understory plant or alongside bodies of water for colorful accent.