If you enjoy walking in the woods, you may have encountered those striking plants with clusters of magenta berries. Aptly named beautyberries, these shrubs are available at nurseries to afford your yard an extra splash of color.
The plant (callicarpa americana) is a drought-tolerant Florida native that can grow as tall as five feet. It does best in fertile, sandy soil that contains some acidity.
Native Americans used various parts of the beautyberry to treat malarial fever, dysentery and rheumatism. Mark Catesby, an English naturalist of the 18th century studied the plant and sent it to Europe, where it is now firmly established as a garden plant.
The beautyberry shrub has a number of benefits that make it an attractive addition to a garden. Besides the vivid color of the fruit, it provides food for birds. Its flowers also attract bees and butterflies interested in the nectar.
The raw beautyberry fruit has little taste, but some people harvest it to make jelly. Others use this plant as a mosquito repellant by rubbing the leaves against their skin, releasing a chemical believed to keep the flying pests away.
If you wish to plant a beautyberry shrub in your yard, be sure to pick a spot that gets full sun or only partial shade. Make sure the soil is well drained. You can plant from either seeds or cuttings.
Another thing that beautifies your property is thick, gorgeous turf. Slug-A-Bug’s lawn care services can help you achieve that look. Trust our trained and licensed professionals to remove the insect pests and weeds that prevent your yard from looking its best. Call Slug-A-Bug today for a free, no-obligation assessment at (321) 259-7844.
For more information:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/beautyberry.html
https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?itemID=2537
https://blog.gardenloversclub.com/ornamental/florida-drought-tolerant-plants/
https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-callicarpa-americana/
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/rbogren/articles/page1566574276226