Issia Beautyberry

The heavy-fruiting purple beautyberry ‘Isaai’ produces berries at an earlier age than others. It is vigorous, easy to grow and adds rich color to the landscape.

Asian in origin, Callicarpa dichotoma is a compact to medium-sized deciduous shrub with an elegant, arching habit. Its elliptical green leaves line the stem opposite one another. In summer, clusters of lavender flowers appear and the base of each leaf petiole like soldiers in a row. Bees and butterflies are highly attracted to the blooms and the clusters of green berries that follow mature to vibrant violet-purple in fall.

For best flowering and fruiting grow purple beautyberry in full to partial sun, though will tolerate partial shade. It is fairly adaptable to different soil types but fertile soil with good drainage is preferred. The natural habit of purple beautyberry is very pleasing, so never try to sculpt or shear this shrub. Just selectively prune back branches as needed. It is well-suited for foundation plantings and mixes well with other ornamentals in spacious bold borders.