Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' – A Stunning Shrub with Vibrant Purple Berries
Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' is a striking deciduous shrub known for its vibrant clusters of purple berries that appear in autumn, making it a focal point in any garden. Often referred to as the Beautyberry, this variety offers not only stunning fruit but also attractive foliage, adding both visual interest and seasonal beauty. Perfect for hedges, mixed borders, and wildlife gardens, 'Profusion' is an easy-to-grow plant that offers excellent colour and texture in the garden, while also providing essential food for birds.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
- In spring, fresh, bright green foliage emerges, forming a dense, bushy habit. The leaves provide a clean, lush backdrop for the season ahead.
- The shrub begins to take shape with an upright, bushy form, which will later be adorned with striking berries.
Summer:
- By mid-summer, small, pale pink to white flowers bloom in clusters, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- As the season progresses, the plant starts developing vibrant clusters of purple berries along the stems, which become the star feature in late summer and early autumn.
Autumn:
- The purple berries persist into autumn, providing a stunning contrast against the fading green foliage. The berries are not only beautiful but also an important food source for birds during the colder months.
- The foliage gradually turns yellow before shedding in winter.
Winter:
- The berries remain on the plant throughout winter, offering winter interest and continuing to attract wildlife. The bare branches still provide an architectural structure, creating visual interest in the garden even after the leaves have fallen.
Structure & Form
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Height & Spread: 'Profusion' typically grows to a height upto 3m, making it a medium-sized shrub that works well in both small and large gardens.
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Form: It has an upright, bushy form with dense branches, which are covered in purple berries as they mature. The foliage is oval and slightly serrated, giving the plant a soft, natural appearance.
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Growth Habit: 'Profusion' is a relatively fast-growing shrub, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking quick results. It’s easy to shape through occasional pruning and requires minimal maintenance.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Wildlife Gardens: The bright purple berries attract birds, making it an ideal choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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Hedges & Screens: Its dense growth makes it well-suited for creating hedges or informal screens, providing privacy and structure in your landscape.
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Borders & Mixed Plantings: 'Profusion' works well as part of mixed borders, where its unique berries can be paired with flowering plants to create a stunning contrast.
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Specimen Planting: Due to its striking berries and attractive foliage, 'Profusion' can be used as a specimen plant in a garden bed or as an eye-catching focal point.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For the best berry production, plant in full sun.
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Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types but does best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions
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Maintenance: 'Profusion' is relatively low-maintenance. Prune it in late winter or early spring to shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. It may also benefit from cutting back to promote a fuller, bushier form.
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Watering: It prefers regular watering, especially in dry conditions, but once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Why Choose Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion'?
Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' is a must-have shrub for any garden, known for its vibrant purple berries and attractive foliage. It's easy to grow, low-maintenance, and offers excellent wildlife benefits. Whether used as a focal point, in a mixed border, or as part of a wildlife garden, 'Profusion' is sure to add seasonal interest and a splash of colour to your landscape.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Evergreens: Combine with evergreen shrubs like Boxwood or Yew to create year-round structure and contrast with the seasonal display of berries.
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Perennials: Pair with perennial plants like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Aster for a striking combination of flowers and berries.
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Grasses: Mix with ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis or Miscanthus for added movement and texture, particularly in autumn when the berries are at their peak.
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Spring Bloomers: Plant with early-blooming shrubs like Forsythia or Daphne to provide an extended season of interest, from early spring through autumn and winter.
Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' is a vibrant and wildlife-friendly shrub that brings beauty, colour, and interest to any garden. With its striking purple berries, attractive foliage, and ease of care, it is perfect for creating seasonal displays and providing essential food for birds. Whether planted as a hedge, specimen plant, or in a mixed border, this shrub is sure to enhance your landscape year after year.
