Propagating the Beautyberry shrub (also known as *Callicarpa*) is actually pretty straightforward, and the easiest way to get more of these stunning purple berries in your yard is by using cuttings. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best methods to grow new plants so you can expand your garden without spending a fortune at the nursery.
Ways to Propagate Your Beautyberry
There are a few different ways to grow new Beautyberry shrubs, but if you want the best results, these are the two methods I recommend:
- Propagating from cuttings (the most reliable way!)
- Growing from seeds
Propagating with Cuttings
If you want a new plant that’s a carbon copy of your current one, cuttings are the way to go. The best time to do this is in the fall. In fact, you can easily combine this with your regular Beautyberry pruning routine. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp pair of garden shears or a knife to cut healthy shoots about 4 to 6 inches long. Try to pick stems that don’t have many berries on them so the plant can focus its energy on growing roots.
- Stick the cuttings into a pot filled with high-quality seed-starting mix. You want to plant them deep enough so that only about half an inch to an inch of the stem is poking out of the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Keep your pots in a bright spot that stays frost-free over the winter. Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system and grown a bit, you can move them into larger containers for pot culture or plant them directly out in your garden.
Growing Beautyberry from Seed
Another fun option is starting your shrubs from seed. You’ll find the seeds right inside those vibrant berries. Just a quick heads-up: the seeds, like the rest of the plant, are toxic, so handle them with care. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Soak the seeds in a bowl of water for about 24 hours. This helps soften the outer shell and encourages them to sprout faster.
- Sow the seeds in pots or seed trays using a light potting mix. Plant them about half an inch deep and make sure the soil stays damp.
- Place the pots in a warm, sunny spot. You should start to see little sprouts popping up in about 14 to 21 days.
- Once your seedlings have grown their first set of “true” leaves, they’re ready to be moved to a bigger pot or a sunny spot in your garden.
A Quick Safety Note on Seeds and Berries
Since Beautyberry seeds and berries are toxic, please be extra careful if you’re storing them. Make sure they are kept in a secure spot well out of reach of curious kids or pets!
