Japanese callicarpa - Callicarpa japonica (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Japanese callicarpa

Japanese callicarpa fruit is an important food source for deer and various bird species. This plant is grown ornamentally for its attractive flowers and fruit, and it is a good pioneer species that can be used to revegetate degraded soils.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese callicarpa (Callicarpa japonica)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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1.2 m to 1.8 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

Pink, White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese callicarpa

Distribution of Japanese callicarpa

Distribution Map

Japanese callicarpa, a plant native to the temperate regions of East Asia, has a natural distribution that spans several areas of this continent. Over time, japanese callicarpa has been introduced and cultivated in various other temperate zones worldwide due to its ornamental appeal.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Mixed forests on mountain slopes or in valleys

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Japanese callicarpa

Oppositely arranged, broad leaves with finely serrated margins, reaching 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length.

Clusters of small, pink to violet flowers hidden by foliage, measuring 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) across.

Showy, glossy, bright violet berries, each about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in diameter, conspicuously clustered.

Slender, green stems with star-shaped hairs on young shoots, averaging 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter.

Relatively slender, upright trunk with smooth bark, featuring circular lenticels for gas exchange, maintain consistent thickness.

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Care Guide for Japanese callicarpa

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from Japan's moist woodlands, japanese callicarpa prefers humid environments and consistent moisture. A weekly watering schedule is ideal for lush foliage and berry production. It thrives in well-draining soil and benefits from rainwater to prevent waterlogging during active growth.

Fertilize: Fertilize japanese callicarpa monthly with a balanced nutrition fertilizer in spring and summer, using high nitrogen in early spring for foliage. Be cautious with fertilizer to prevent root damage; adjust frequency as japanese callicarpa enters fall dormancy. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing to avoid root burn.

Pruning: Japanese callicarpa is a deciduous shrub with vibrant purple berries. Prune in early spring by removing dead branches and thinning overcrowded areas. Cut back one-third of older stems to enhance growth and berry production, improving the plant's structure and health for the next blooming season.

Propagation: A deciduous shrub, japanese callicarpa is best propagated using softwood cuttings from new growth. Cuttings should retain a few leaves and be dipped in rooting hormone. High humidity and well-draining soil improve success rates during propagation while careful handling prevents root damage.

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