Pearl Glam^® Beautyberry Callicarpa x

I planted two of these in full sun in my zone 7B Georgia garden. After 14 months, one looked great, with berries and foliage just like that pictured. The other was struggling so I removed the pine straw from around the base and discovered much of the soil had washed away from the roots. This obviously was not the plant's fault so I replaced it with another! I've experienced no suckering from the other one. It's a moderate grower and just as pretty as the pictures. They were planted 18 months ago on a slope and I have found they need a bit more water because of this.

I wanted to love this plant since purple is my favorite color and my house has purple trim, but this plant purchased in 2016 has been a disappointment. It is barely larger than it was when I received it as a one gallon plant. It does get purple berries that are pretty, but the plant is so small that you have to be on top of them to see them. I will probably give up on it and pull it out after the berries are gone in the fall. It just doesn't add anything to my garden. I wouldn't recommend it.

Delighted with my gallon size transplant!The middle of October here in CT and it is covered in the most lovely plum colored berries

I planted two of these in my zone 5B garden in summer 2021. I chased them down, calling multiple nurseries because I was so enchanted. The berries were stunning last summer. I thought the two shrubs hadn’t survived our winter but learned that Pearl Glam is very late to emerge (please add this to your description!). They’ve grown pretty well this summer and both currently have small berries forming (it’s October 1st). I’m hoping for a good Berry show this fall and more growth next year. I may plant tall amaranth nearby for the height and color I was craving in my garden. The jury is still out on the long term success of Pearl Glam for me.

I'm extremely happy with this plant. With twice daily minimal watering and bi-monthly vitamin boosts it has adjusted quite well to the high desert heat and direct sun. I'm anxiously anticipating the bright berry phase, although the white flowers add a subtle flair to my landscape. In addition, there are several traditional Indigenous medicinal uses for this plant, including uses as an excellent insect repellent.