Dear Brain trust, I have just experienced some instant gratification on a plant ID so I am going for something even more challenging or befuddling. Several years ago I purchased a Callicarpa japonica. Across the nursery yard, it was stunning because of its light purple foliage. I had never seen anything like it. The plant has thrived in my garden but I have never seen that purple foliage again. I have often wondered if that was a sign of stress and have even tried to induce stress (!!) by planting it in an exposed area. No success. Has anyone seen this purple foliage of which I speak? Any ideas of how to replicate the environment that produced it initially? Rob Lofstedt
Google Images shows purple berries growing along branches, but no purple foliage. I did find an excerpt here that states "under the right sun exposure, plants can develop nearly pink or lavender fall color." Maybe this is what you saw in the nursery? Seems like a very interesting plant if I researched the correct one. :)
Dear ShearMe Thank you! I began to think I had imagined it after all this time. The color is unimaginably beautiful. Now; what conditions are those "certain conditions"?! Rob L
photo of purple leaf with purpble buds I wanted to share a photo of my beautyberry. Before checking this forum I was worried that the leaf colour indicated stress. It's just a response to the high-light conditions.
