Marianne's Response

Berries won’t grow on Beauty Bush

I have a Beauty Bush (Calicarpa—not sure of spelling) that has flowers, but most of the purple berries don’t develop. They just shrivel up. Do I need a cross pollinator? It is about 10 years old and has only had a few little berries.

Posted by Sandra Stubbins on October 6, 2014

Marianne's Response

How much sun does your Beautyberry Callicarpa get? You will get more berries in full sun. Also this shrub bears flowers and berries on new growth so cutting it back in early spring will stimulate new growth and a more productive plant. This spring try pruning it hard when you see crocus in bloom and then spread some Osmocote slow release plant food around the root zone. If it is not berry beautiful next fall move it to a spot with more sun. Love the metallic purple berries on this shrub. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti