Beautyberry or Callicarpa is a genus of flowering shrubs native to the Americas, Asia, and Australia. The common name is a reference to the distinctive brightly colored berries produced on most beautyberry species. The berries are usually edible, although they have a tart, sharp flavor that is not to everyone's tastes. Garden supply stores sometimes carry these shrubs and can order them by request. Gardeners can also obtain seeds and cuttings from other gardeners through trade; a number of websites for gardeners facilitate trades by allowing people to list plants they have or want for trade.
There are over 100 known species in this genus. Species native to tropical regions are evergreen and are not frost hardy, although some can thrive in cool climates with minimal or light frosts. Species acclimated to areas with more extreme climates are deciduous, losing their leaves in the winter. A number of cultivars have been developed specifically for gardeners, including varietals with variegated leaves and other unusual features.
In the spring, beautyberries put out small clusters of flowers at the base of their simple, opposite leaves. The flowers, if fertilized, will develop into bunches of bright purple berries with a faintly metallic sheen. Beautyberries are physically distinctive and the clusters of berries sometimes look artificial thanks to the bright color. The berries will stay on the plant for an extended period of time unless they are harvested by hungry people or animals.
People use the fruit of the beautyberry bush to make wines and jellies. Research on C. americana, or the American beautyberry, has suggested that the plant may have insecticidal qualities and could be used to develop natural insecticides for mosquitoes and other pests. Extracting the compounds from the plant could also lead to the development of new synthetic chemicals for combating insects.
Gardeners interested in growing a beautyberry species can usually choose between a number of plants recommended for cultivation in their region. Most plants need well-drained soil with good moisture retention, and prefer partial shade. Beautyberries are native to woodland areas and are excellent companion plants for trees and large shrubs in a partially shady garden. The plants can be used as specimen plantings or to create hedges and other barriers. Gardeners should be aware that beautyberry plants tend to get leggy, and they have a messy, slightly wild appearance. If a garden with a neat, crisp appearance is desired, these plants are not a good landscaping choice.
