How to Grow Japanese Beautyberry - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Japanese beautyberry is a shrub that is native to japan. it is known for its beautiful purple berries that are produced in late summer and fall. the berries are eaten by birds and other animals, and the plant is also used as an ornamental plant in japanese gardens.

How to Grow Japanese Beautyberry - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

Callicarpa japonica
Callicarpa dichotoma
Callicarpa kusanoi
Callicarpa minima
Callicarpa thermopsia

Basic info

The scientific name for Japanese beautyberry is Callicarpa japonica.
It is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan, China, and Korea.
The plant grows to be about 3-4 feet tall and has dark green leaves.
In late summer and early fall, the plant produces small white flowers that turn into bright purple berries.
The berries are very popular in Japanese cuisine and are often used in jams, jellies, and wine.
The berries are also known to have many health benefits and are used in traditional medicine.
The plant prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soils and is tolerant of full sun to partial shade.
It is important to prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Japanese beautyberry is generally pest and disease free, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew.
The plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

For japanese beautyberry, first step is to find a well-drained location.
Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
Water the plant deeply.
Place a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but not touching the stem.
Japanese beautyberry is a fast grower, so you will likely need to fertilize it every year.
The bush produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of purple berries in the fall.
Birds love the berries, so you may need to net the bush if you want to harvest them yourself.
Prune japanese beautyberry in late winter to early spring, before new growth begins.

Related plant:
Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the japanese beautyberry can adapt to a wide range of soils, from well-drained soils to waterlogged soils. However, this plant prefers acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, the Japanese beautyberry needs SUNLIGHT in order to grow and stay healthy. However, this plant is able to tolerate low-light conditions better than most. If you are growing your beautyberry indoors, make sure to place it near a window where it will receive indirect sunlight for at least part of the day.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for planting a Japanese beautyberry is important to consider. The ideal temperature for planting is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, the beautyberry will not thrive.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. They do not like excessive humidity, but will tolerate it better than dry air. If the leaves start to drop, it is a sign that the air is too dry.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this kind of plant is not very demanding. An all-purpose fertilizer will do the job just fine. As for the roots, it is important to plant the japanese beautyberry in well-drained soil. Otherwise, the roots may rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Japanese beautyberry is an important part of caring for this plant. Not only does it help to keep the plant looking its best, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also a good idea to trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It can be done either by seed or by rooting hardwood cuttings. If you are using seed, plant them in a seed flat filled with a sterile seed starting mix. Sow the seeds thinly, and press them gently into the mix. Water well and keep the flat in a warm, bright location. The seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Once they have germinated, thin the seedlings so that only the strongest remain. To take hardwood cuttings, choose stems that are about the thickness of a pencil and 6-8 inches long. Cut them just below a node, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and then plant it in a pot filled with a sterile potting mix. Water well and keep the pot in a warm, bright location. The cuttings should root in 4-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate in a single growing season is between 18 and 24 inches. However, some plants have been known to grow as much as 36 inches in a single season. The plant's height and width at maturity is typically between 4 and 5 feet.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves will turn yellow and fall off the plant, the fruit will not ripen, and the plant will not flower. These problems are typically caused by too much water, too much sun, or not enough fertilizer.