Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) Callicarpa japonica
Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) (Callicarpa japonica) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
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Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous; the berries are astringent and not eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) flower?
- From about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous; the berries are astringent and not eaten.
- What grows well with Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese beautyberry (murasaki-shikibu). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Clusters of glossy violet berries along the stems in autumn, named after Lady Murasaki, author of The Tale of Genji. Fruits best after a hot summer; can be cut back hard in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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