I’m beginning this post well before it will actually be completed. My goal is to start Beautyberry plants from seeds.
The Beautyberry bush, or American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a unique plant and I have two growing at the edge of my small Florida yard. I thought they were some sort of big weed until I saw the berries.
I have learned that it is a Florida native plant. It is easy to grow and needs no care. I have certainly done nothing to help these plants thrive. Both plants are growing among natural growth at the edge of the yard.
The Hidden Bush
On the lot next door, there is also a Beautyberry and an Elm tree side by side. However, both are covered in vines . The only reason I realized there is a beauty berry in that clump is that I went in to remove the vines (failed) and found new growth at the base of the bush.
This is not on my land, but I’d love to uncover them so they can grow correctly. In winter when the vines die, I will try again, unless the land is cleared by the owner before then.
A Natural Mosquito Repellant
The leaves are a bit fuzzy and I’ve read that they can be used to keep mosquitos away by rubbing them on the skin. I’ve tried this and it seems to work!
Timeline of Flowers to Berries
The little pink flowers begin to show up along the stems in May. By June, the flowers have become green berries. In July the berries begin to turn purple from the back of the stem toward the front.
Birds love to eat the seeds and have therefore have helped this plant to spread. Because I have found another nice shrub (the Firespike) back behind this Beauty Berry, I suspect that this area of the yard was once a garden. It is overgrown with vines and weeds that are impossible to keep clear, but these nice, flowering shrubs have survived.
A Propagation Plan
Now, I know that this plant is hard to find, so I cherish the plants I already have. But, what if I could start new Beautyberries from the seeds?
Collect the purple berries and find the seeds inside. Seeds form around the end of summer.
Let the seeds dry and then plant them in early spring.
End of August collection of berries from the Beauty Berry Bush.
This propagating from seed was a big FAIL for me. Nothing grew. I’ll just enjoy the plants that are already growing.
More Good Info About the Beautyberry
- South Florida Plant Guide
- IFAS Gardening Solutions – Beautyberry
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Thank you for sharing!
Hydrangeas Blue 
I love this plant. We have them popping up all over our yard. I have successfully moved them into more appropriate locations. They are so easy to transplant. Try propagating from cuttings, I think you’ll be more successful! They are so hardy and seem to take over wherever I put them in the ground.
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Well hello there Miss Green Thumb! I’m sure I tried cuttings first and had no luck. Do you start the cuttings in water or dirt?
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Can’t claim the green thumb, but…I’m honestly not sure what I did with the cuttings. I definitely transplanted “lost” plants and even just dig a small hole and rested the small pieces for a “short” time…weeks later they had rooted! Dumb luck vs green thumb lol.
You could try both. Just cut a couple branches and try rooting the soft top part of one in water. Then take the second one, rough it up a bit on the hardwood part and put it in the ground somewhere, preferably not in full sun. Water it well for a week or so. You can move it later. Good luck!
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btw i just read up on this and you can indeed root from cuttings. They recommend removing most of the leaves and putting the stems in a bit of water to soften, then pouring in a pot and putting a bag over it. I think in our climate you could skip the bag…
It said the easiest way to propagate is to find the little volunteers around the base. Perhaps you could find some of those?
Good luck.
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Thanks for the good info. I may try it one day.
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