Plant of the month - Callicarpa

As the garden is going to sleep for the winter and the nights are drawing in, we are all looking for plants to add valuable colour.

I was lucky enough to be given a Callicarpa bodinieri last Christmas; this deciduous shrub, native to Australia, South East Asia, Madagascar and the Americas, produces the most amazing berries in autumn. It can grow to four-eight foot wide and high without any of the invasive character traits of other members of the Family Lamiaceae. My little shrub won’t need pruning for a few Aprils yet, though.

Luckily non-toxic to humans or dogs, it is deer resistant. Apparently, the berries are a little bitter (I don’t think I am brave enough to try them) so perhaps deer have a sweet tooth?

Mine seems happy in light shade on Marden clay but would be equally happy in a pot in full sun according to the RHS.

Commonly known as the ‘Beautyberry’, it absolutely comes into its own on sunny days; as the sun shines on the bush, the bunches of perfectly spherical little purple berries positively glow as if each has a minute light bulb inside – a truly stunning shrub.