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Description
Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst, also known as Purple Beautyberry, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. This ornamental plant is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely cultivated in the United States for its showy purple fruits. The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide and has an upright, spreading habit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Callicarpa |
Appearance
Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst has beautiful foliage and stunning fruits that add color to any garden. The leaves are ovate, dark green, and have a serrated edge. The shrub blooms in mid-summer, producing small, pinkish-white flowers that are not very showy. However, the real attraction of this plant is its purple berries that appear in early fall. The berries are small, rounded, and densely clustered along the stems, creating a beautiful display of color.
Care Guide
Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in most soil types. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting to improve drainage and fertility.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer berries.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst is generally healthy and does not suffer from many pests or diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and webbing. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat spider mites.- Scale insects: These pests can attach themselves to the stems, causing yellowing and weakening of the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat scale insects.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil.
Habitat
Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is commonly found in woodland areas and along forest edges. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall does Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst grow?
A: The shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst:- Callicarpa Americana- Callicarpa Bodinieri- Callicarpa Japonica- Callicarpa Dichotoma
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Callicarpa Dichotoma Early Amethyst- North Carolina State University Extension: Callicarpa Dichotoma- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Beautyberry
