Source: Wikimedia Commons
Japanese beautyberry
BeginnerCallicarpa japonica
A deciduous shrub native across Japan bearing purple berries about 3 mm across in autumn, often persisting after leaf fall. Many plants sold as murasaki-shikibu are actually the closely related, denser-fruiting Callicarpa dichotoma.
About
Murasaki-shikibu (Callicarpa japonica) is a deciduous shrub of the mint family (formerly Verbenaceae) common in woods and thickets across Japan except north-east Hokkaido. In June–July it bears pale purple-pink flowers 3–5 mm across in the leaf axils, and purple berries about 3 mm across ripen in September–October. Few trees carry purple fruit, and the contrast with yellowing leaves, and berries lingering on bare twigs, are its bonsai highlights. Leaves are 6–12 cm and opposite. Buyers should know that most plants sold as 'murasaki-shikibu' are the closely related Callicarpa dichotoma (komurasaki), smaller overall and heavier-fruiting; bonsai growers also favour it and early-fruiting forms. C. japonica is larger in height, leaf and berry, with fruit borne sparsely, while C. dichotoma packs its berries densely along the stems. The hairier C. mollis (yabu-murasaki) is also similar. It tolerates heat and cold and is unfussy about soil, but grows naturally near water and likes moisture, so do not let it dry out. Easily propagated by cuttings or layering, it is a regular fruiting bonsai in shops.
Size of the Japanese beautyberry
The Japanese beautyberry grows to 2–5 m tall (to about 3 m in gardens).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (everywhere except north-east Hokkaido)
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
2–5 m tall (to about 3 m in gardens)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (small amounts late April–June, a little more Sept–Oct)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Bright, airy spot; also grows in part shade. Thin leaves scorch in summer, so shade it from the end of the rainy season
Watering
Drinks heavily: twice daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 times in summer, once daily in winter. Drying to leaf drop can kill branches. Keep water off flowers
Temperature & overwintering
Heat- and cold-tolerant; keep the pot from freezing in a cold frame over winter
Soil & repotting
Pot-binds quickly: repot every 1–2 years in late Feb–March before budbreak, trimming a third to half of the roots
Fertilizer
Feed modestly to avoid leggy growth: small amounts late April–June and a bit more in Sept–Oct, using a phosphorus-rich flowering/fruiting feed
Pruning & styling
Easy from cuttings or layers; stems grow straight, so add movement while young. Thin dense foliage to keep air moving
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, spider mites, leaf rollers and powdery mildew. Many plants sold under this name are C. dichotoma. It is native—buy nursery-grown plants, not wild-dug ones
Japanese beautyberry FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Japanese beautyberry?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Japanese beautyberry get?
The mature size of Japanese beautyberry is 2–5 m tall (to about 3 m in gardens). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Japanese beautyberry?
Japanese beautyberry: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (small amounts late April–June, a little more Sept–Oct). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Japanese beautyberry?
The price of Japanese beautyberry varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones. This species is not designated under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, although some other Callicarpa species are.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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