Callicarpa japonica (Japanese Beautyberry) leaf

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by RobLofstedt, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. RobLofstedt

    RobLofstedt Member

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    Charlottetown Zone 5b
    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
     
  2. ShearMe

    ShearMe Active Member

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    Dallas, USA (Zone 8a)
    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. :)
     
  3. RobLofstedt

    RobLofstedt Member

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    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
     
  4. ShearMe

    ShearMe Active Member

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    I have no clue; I only found that info by searching google, but maybe someone else can help out.
     
  5. growing4it

    growing4it Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    vancouver to langley, bc
    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.
     

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