Callicarpa dichotoma 'Issai'

Issai Purple Beautyberry

A compact, spreading beautyberry valued for its heavy fruit set and showy fall color. Slender, arching branches carry small pink flowers in summer, followed by abundant clusters of bright violet-purple berries that line the stems in fall, creating dramatic ornamental impact.

Growth is open yet graceful, forming a low, mounding shrub that is especially effective when allowed to naturalize.

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



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



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Mature Size



Height: 4–6 ft



Width: 5–6 ft



Features



Abundant purple berries in fall



Graceful, arching growth habit



Reliable fruiting without a pollinator



Good fall interest and wildlife value



Landscape Uses



Mixed shrub borders



Mass plantings and naturalized areas



Woodland edges



Accent shrub for fall and winter interest



Why Growers Choose It



Heavy berry production on a compact plant



Self-fertile selection



Excellent substitute for larger beautyberry cultivars

Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

5'-6'

Width

5-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Late Summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow Green

Soil

Heavy, Loamy, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Low Mounding, Mounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No