Bodinier’s Beautyberry – 5 Seeds

Bodinier’s beautyberry (Callicarpa bodinieri), is a species of flowering plant in the genus Callicarpa of the family Lamiaceae, native to West and Central China. It is a very decorative plant. Growing to 3 m tall by 2.5 m wide, it is an upright deciduous shrub with slender branches and dark green leaves. The shrub attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden.

In midsummer clusters of small lilac flowers are produced, followed by purple berries in tight clusters in autumn.
The berries are edible, but they are very bitter, so people don’t generally eat them, but some people do cook the berries to make jelly, tea, and wine.

Growing Bodinier’s Beautyberry

• Seeds should be planted in mid to late winter.
• Soak the seeds in a container of cold water for 24 hours.
• Prepare a tray or small pots with a seed raising potting mix.
• Seeds should be sown just below surface.
• Moisten the soil but do not over water as your seeds will rot.
• Keep pot in warm, bright position with indirect light.
• Make sure the soil is constantly moist but not soggy.
• Ideal temperatures for germination are between 6-18°C.
• Germination can take up to three months or more. .
• Transplant the plants when they are 15cm high.
• Can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
• Fruit production can start after 1 – 2 years.