Another Perfect Plant: Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’

Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ is one of many cultivars and species of Callicarpa, but this one seems to do the best in the Pacific Northwest. Nondescript in form when planted in full sun this plant shines in the fall when the berries ripen into a gorgeous, unusual purple color. A Chinese native, ‘Profusion’ has not been found to be edible. Its American relative, Callicarpa americana, has historically been used to produce jelly or wine and is being evaluated for potential to be used as a natural insect repellent. Go easy on the foraging, Callicarpa berries have also been known to cause some level of gastric distress. Relatively easy to grow and establish ‘Profusion’ fruits better when planted in groups to encourage cross pollination.

References

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a779

http://www.eattheweeds.com/beautyberry-jelly-on-a-roll/

http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/icallicarpai/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060703091932.htm

Photo reference:

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/411/profusion-beautyberry/