Black Beautyberry, Mexican Beautyberry

Description

Large clusters of deep burgundy berries whorl around the arching stems of this Mexican Beautyberry and last through much of winter or until the birds find them sweet enough to enjoy. In all other regards Callicarpa acuminata very much resembles our native American Beautyberry,Callicarpa americana, though it may be slightly shorter in habit. The Black Beautyberry flowers and fruits on new wood.

 In the northern most portions of its range, zone 8, the Black Beautyberry may freeze back during the hardest winters but has been quite reliable to return in our gardens here in zone 8B experiencing temperatures in the low teens at times.