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All parts of this bold shrub are fragrant. It particularly deserves its name for the profusion of amethyst purple berries borne on its long branches.

Latin Name

Callicarpa americana


Family

Lamiaceae


Type of Plant

Shrubs Shrubs

Bloom Season

June - August

Seasons

Fall Fall

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 6'
Max spread Max Spread: 6'

Uses

  • Naturalize
  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Clay Soil

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Birds Birds

    Colors


    Native Range

    Southeastern United States


    History

    It was first sent to England in 1724 by Mark Catesby.


    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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