How to Grow Callicarpa Profusion - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Callicarpa profusion is a beautiful ornamental plant that is native to China. The plant has glossy green leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers. The flowers are followed by purple berries. The berries are edible and have a sweet flavor. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Callicarpa profusion is an attractive addition to any garden.

How to Grow Callicarpa Profusion - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Beautyberry
  • American beautyberry
  • French mulberry
  • Purple beautyberry
  • Southern beautyberry

Common Knowledge

  • Callicarpa profusion is a deciduous shrub that is native to East Asia.
  • It typically grows to 3-4 m (10-13 ft) tall and 4-5 m (13-16 ft) wide.
  • The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 10-12 cm (4-5 in) long and 3-5 cm (1-2 in) wide, with a serrated margin.
  • The flowers are white, borne in clusters of 3- They are followed by violet-blue berries.
  • The berries are poisonous to humans, but are a food source for birds.
  • Callicarpa profusion is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.
  • It is relatively tolerant of urban pollution.
  • Callicarpa profusion is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem dieback.
  • It is also attractive to a variety of insects, including aphids, scale, and whiteflies.

Related plant:
Callicarpa Japonica

Growing Steps

  1. For callicarpa profusion, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
  2. Till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
  3. Add a layer of organic matter to the soil, such as compost or peat moss.
  4. Plant callicarpa profusion seedlings or transplants about 18 inches apart.
  5. Water the seedlings or transplants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  7. prune callicarpa profusion plants as needed to maintain their shape and size.
  8. Harvest the berries when they are ripe, typically in late summer or early fall.
  9. Remove any fallen berries from the ground around the plants to prevent disease.
  10. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants in late fall to protect them from winter weather.

Related plant:
Callicarpa Pearl Glam

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Callicarpa profusion prefers well-drained soils, and cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is a tough and adaptable plant that once established, will tolerate extended periods of drought. It will also grow in most soil types, including heavy clay soils.

Light requirement

Just like other Callicarpa species, the Callicarpa profusion requires full sun to partial sun to maintain its vibrant colors. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially during the hotter hours of the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Callicarpa profusion is warm weather. This plant does not like the cold and will not thrive in cooler temperatures. If you live in an area with cooler weather, you will need to provide this plant with some extra warmth. This can be done by growing it in a greenhouse or by placing it in a sunny spot in your yard.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-70%. The air around the plant should not be too dry nor too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves may drop off. If the air is too wet, the plant may develop root rot.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant does not need a lot of it to survive and does best with organic matter. The roots are important to the plant as it pulls moisture and nutrients from the soil. It is essential to have healthy roots in order to have a healthy plant. Callicarpa profusion is a tough plant and can withstand a lot of abuse, but it is important to remember that the roots are its lifeline.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of taking care of your Callicarpa profusion plant. It helps to keep the plant looking its best and promote new growth. You should prune your Callicarpa profusion plant in early spring, before new growth begins. To do this, simply remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back any overgrown branches to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Callicarpa profusion is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length and should have several leaves attached. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plant material. Once the cuttings are taken, they can be placed in a rooting hormone and then placed in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Cuttings typically root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid when the plant is young. However, the plant typically begins to slow down after the first five years. The growth rate will continue to decline until the plant reaches its full potential size.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, twig dieback, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spots are circular or oval and can be any color. Twig dieback is when the twigs and branches die and turn brown or black. Powdery mildew is a white or grayish powder that covers the leaves and branches. Root rot is when the roots of the plant rot and turn brown or black.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your Callicarpa profusion regularly, as the plant does best with moist soil.
  • Place your plant in a location where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer every few months.
  • Pinch back the tips of the plant regularly to encourage bushier growth.
  • Callicarpa profusion is relatively drought-tolerant, so you won't need to worry too much about over- watering.
  • This plant is susceptible to powdery mildew, so make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of the fungus.
  • If you notice any pests on your plant, such as aphids or spider mites, be sure to treat them right away.
  • Callicarpa profusion can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • This plant can be susceptible to

Alternative Plants

  • Calicarpa Americana (american beautyberry, American Currant)
  • Calicarpa Bodinieri (Bodinier's beautyberry, Bodinier beautyberry)
  • Calicarpa Japonica (Japan beautyberry, Japan-berry, Purple beautyberry, Purple-fruited althea)
  • Calicarpa Lanata (woolly beautyberry, Lanata beautyberry)
  • Calicarpa Lutea (yellow beautyberry, Yellow-fruit beautyberry)
  • Callicarpa Arborea (Tree beautyberry)
  • Callicarpa Asiatica (Asiatic beautyberry)
  • Callicarpa Californica (California beautyberry)
  • Callicarpa Candida (White beautyberry)
  • Callicarpa Explanata (explained beautyberry)

Source:
Rain Garden Plants: Callicarpa americana - Clemson University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Callicarpa bodinieri var.
Callicarpa acuminata | Center for Latin ... - Vanderbilt University

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category