Purple Pride Beautyberry

Purple Pride Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai')

Purple Pride Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai') is a refined, compact shrub known for its heavy berry production and tidy, arching form. A cultivar of the East Asian beautyberry species, this variety delivers profuse clusters of vibrant purple berries along gently cascading stems in late summer and early fall, adding eye-catching texture and color to the landscape.

Distinctive Features

'Issai' is especially valued for its abundant fruit set and compact, uniform growth habit. Glossy green leaves form a dense mound, turning soft yellow in fall to contrast with the rich, violet berries. Its fruit develops reliably even without a pollinator, making it ideal for solo plantings where space is limited. The long-lasting berries remain attractive well into fall, even after the foliage has dropped.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade; best berry color and quantity in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of conditions.
• Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular moisture.
• Humidity: Tolerates average to high humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Planting: Offers vivid seasonal color and graceful form in beds and borders.
• Foundation Beds: Neat habit complements architectural lines without overwhelming entry areas.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Pairs well with grasses, perennials, and other deciduous shrubs.
• Wildlife Gardens: Provides food and shelter for birds in the fall and early winter.
• Seasonal Accents: Use berried branches in cut arrangements or fall decorations.

Low Maintenance Care

'Issai' is a dependable and unfussy addition to any low-maintenance planting scheme. Pruning encourages dense branching and optimal berry display.

• Watering: Keep evenly moist in dry periods, especially when establishing.
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter to early spring to maintain size and vigor.
• Fertilizing: Light feeding in early spring promotes healthy growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally free of serious problems.
• Deer Resistance: Typically not a preferred target for deer browsing.

Why Choose Purple Pride Beautyberry?

With early and abundant fruit set, self-fertility, and manageable size, Purple Pride Beautyberry is a versatile and reliable option for seasonal interest and effortless charm.

• Heavy Berry Producer: Exceptionally fruiting even without a companion plant.
• Compact Size: Grows to approximately 3�4 feet tall and wide�great for urban or small-space gardens.
• Self-Fertile: No need to plant multiples for fruit development.
• Long-Lasting Color: Berries persist into fall, creating multi-season appeal.
• Low-Maintenance: Few pests and diseases and no complicated care requirements.

Purple Pride Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai') delivers exceptional berry production in a refined form, making it a standout focal point or companion shrub in any landscape.