Caring for Beautyberry

Hello Gardeners, I'm Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Beautyberry can seed down like crazy and be somewhat weedy, but people who like to do arrangements always are grateful to have it when the stems are covered with purple-pink clusters of fruits. If you grow it or have access to some naturalized plants, I suggest you prune it in early spring each year. Callicarpa blooms on new wood and if you cut it low to the ground, it will send out longer shoots, better for arranging, in response to that pruning. The new growth will have time to flower, attract tiny pollinators with its clusters of small but nectar-rich flowers, and set fruits. In mid-fall, those fruits will be colorful and plentiful, especially on plants grown in the sun with ample moisture. You will have to cut off the leaves, however, as they are not attractive and detract from the berries.