Callicarpa dichotoma Early Amethyst

Early Amethyst

A compact beautyberry valued for its early fruiting and vivid purple berries that provide standout fall interest. Small pink summer flowers give way to dense clusters of bright violet-purple berries that appear earlier than most varieties and persist well into fall, creating strong ornamental appeal.

Growth is graceful and spreading, forming a low, mounded shrub that performs well in mixed borders and naturalized settings.

Growing Conditions



Light: Full sun to part shade (best fruiting in full sun)



Soil: Moist, well-drained; adaptable to a wide range of soil types



Water: Average once established



Shape: Low, mounding to spreading habit



Cold Hardiness: Good winter tolerance; berries form on new wood



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Mature Size



Height: 3–4 ft



Width: 4–5 ft



Features



Early-developing purple berries



Heavy fruit set



Graceful, arching branches



Good fall and early winter interest



Landscape Uses



Mixed shrub borders



Mass plantings



Woodland edges



Accent shrub for fall color and berries



Why Growers Choose It



Earlier berry color than standard beautyberry



Compact size fits smaller landscapes



Reliable fruiting and strong ornamental impact

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

4'

Width

4'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow Green

Fruit color

Purple

Soil

Loamy, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Mounding

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No