Callicarpa japonica Japanese Beautyberry

A medium-sized deciduous shrub native to Japan. Plants develop clusters of pink, sweetly fragrant flowers in July that are often obscured by the 2-3" leaves. The flowers often elicit a "what's that smell" reaction from customers who sense the fragrance but can't see the blooms amongst the plant's greenery. In fall, the plants shine when they develop a dazzling showcase of long-lived, purple berries. The beauty is difficult to describe but is certainly among the finest of all autumn displays. Plants are slightly larger growers than C. dichotoma types and have a slightly coarser texture.