Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl'
ABOUT
The plant known as Beautyberry "Imperial Pearl" is an ornamental shrub known for its striking appearance. It has a bushy habit with multiple stems that emerge from the base. The leaves are arranged in a way that they appear opposite or in whorls on the stem, and exhibit a rich green hue. During the growing season, the leaves can provide a subtle backdrop for the other features of the plant. One of the most distinctive features of this Beautyberry variety are its small lilac flowers, which typically bloom in clusters along the stem in the summer. These delicate blossoms serve as a precursor to the plant's show-stopping element: the vibrant purple berries. The berries are tightly clustered in eye-catching bunches that encircle the stems, providing a striking contrast with the foliage. Appearing in the fall, the berries persist after the leaves drop, offering visual interest in the autumn and winter landscape. The plant's bark is relatively smooth with a subtle coloration that tends to blend in with the surrounding foliage. Overall, the Beautyberry "Imperial Pearl" presents a delightful profile with its graceful limbs, attractive leaves, delicate flowers, and vivid fruit, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Beautyberry, Bodinier's Beautyberry
Common names
Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii, Callicarpa bodinieri var. parvifolia, Callicarpa giraldii, Callicarpa bodinieri var. kwangtungensis, Callicarpa kwangtungensis.
ToxicityTo humans
The Beautyberry, specifically Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl', has no significant levels of toxicity reported for humans. While not commonly regarded as a food source, incidental ingestion of its berries or other parts typically does not lead to serious health issues. However, as with any non-edible plant, consumption in large quantities could potentially cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal discomfort. Always exercise caution and avoid eating plants not designated as food crops.
To pets
Beautyberry, specifically Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl', is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on major toxic plant lists for animals such as dogs and cats. However, if a pet consumes large amounts of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, as it would with any non-food plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of Beautyberry and is showing adverse symptoms, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Features striking purple berries and vibrant foliage, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Wildlife Attractant: Berries provide food for birds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with limited water supply, making it ideal for drier climates or water-restricted areas.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with changing leaf colors and berries appearing at different times of the year.
- Tolerates Various Soils: Adapts to a range of soil conditions, from acidic to alkaline.
- Compact Growth: Its manageable size makes it suitable for small gardens or limited spaces.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, useful for temperate regions.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Flowers attract beneficial insects like bees, aiding pollination of garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative Dye: Beautyberry 'Imperial Pearl' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and yarns, yielding subtle shades depending on the mordant used.
- Ink Making: The berries can be crushed to make a purple ink for art projects or even as a natural food coloring.
- Fish Bait: In some rural areas, the berries are used as bait in fishing due to their bright color and attractiveness to fish.
- Craft Supplies: Dried branches of beautyberry can be used in floral arrangements and other crafts, providing a natural decorative element.
- Fragrance Production: While not commonly known, the leaves of beautyberry 'Imperial Pearl' can be processed to extract essential oils for use in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Photography Prop: The vivid purple berries and lush foliage make beautyberry 'Imperial Pearl' a popular subject or backdrop in plant photography.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used to educate students about plant life cycles, berry formation, and wildlife sustenance.
- Jewelry Inspiration: The unique cluster formation of beautyberry's fruits inspires jewelry designs, including beadwork and color palettes.
- Wildlife Garden: Planting beautyberry 'Imperial Pearl' can contribute to a wildlife garden, inviting birds that feed on the berries.
- Musical Instrument Decoration: Small branches and berries can adorn musical instruments such as harps or guitars for a natural aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beautyberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beautyberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Uniqueness: Commonly known as beautyberry, Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl' symbolizes beauty and uniqueness due to its stunning pearl-like berries that stand out in the garden.
- Abundance: The plentiful berries that cluster along the stems of the beautyberry represent abundance and generosity.
- Protection: In some cultures, plants like the beautyberry are thought to offer protection due to their dense growth and the idea that their vibrant coloration wards off evil.
- Prosperity: The lush and prolific nature of the plant can be seen as symbolic of prosperity and growing wealth.
WaterThe Beautyberry should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions, typically once a week. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. When watering, aim to apply approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant during each session depending on the size and maturity of the plant. In cooler months, reduce the frequency as the plant requires less moisture due to slower growth. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent water logging which can lead to root rot.
LightBeautyberry thrives best in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth and berry production, a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe Beautyberry is fairly cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a growing environment that ranges between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum temperature it can withstand is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit before needing protection from heat stress.
PruningThe Beautyberry should be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage the growth of new shoots that will produce berries. Pruning can also rejuvenate older plants by removing old or dead wood. It's recommended to prune annually, as the flowers and berries form on new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeautyberry thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A good mix can contain equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite, enhancing both nutrient content and drainage. Mulching with organic material helps maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingBeautyberries such as 'Imperial Pearl' generally don't require frequent repotting; do so every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Spring is the best time to repot to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBeautyberries prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions. Ensuring good air circulation helps prevent issues in too-humid environments; misting is usually not necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Imperial Pearl' beautyberry (Callicarpa bodinieri 'Imperial Pearl') begins its life as a seed which, upon germination in favorable conditions, sprouts and develops into a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it progresses to a juvenile phase where the plant establishes its root system and begins to develop its characteristic foliage. Upon reaching maturity, the plant starts to form clusters of small pink flowers in the summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers give way to the plant’s distinctive feature—tight clusters of shiny, pearl-like purple berries that persist into the winter and are often used for ornamental purposes. During the autumn, the leaves may turn to shades of yellow or purple before falling off as the plant enters dormancy in response to cooler temperatures. Each spring, the perennial structure of the plant resumes growth, completing the annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method to propagate Beautyberry 'Imperial Pearl' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is best performed in late summer. First, a healthy shoot is selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length is taken. It should include several leaves and at least one node. The cutting's lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is buried. It's essential to keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed adequately, which generally takes a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
