The Pearl Glam Beautyberry (Callicarpa ‘Pearl Glam’) is a popular ornamental shrub, known for its distinctive dark foliage and vibrant berries. This deciduous plant offers a captivating display throughout multiple seasons, making it a desirable addition to many garden designs. Its unique leaf coloration and striking fruit contribute to its widespread use in diverse landscape settings.
Is Pearl Glam Beautyberry Truly Native?
Pearl Glam Beautyberry is not a true native North American species; it is a hybrid cultivar. This plant is a cross between Callicarpa dichotoma and Callicarpa kwangtungensis, both species native to Asia. While the genus Callicarpa includes species native to North America, Pearl Glam originated from a breeding program at NC State University and Spring Meadow Nursery.
Planting cultivars like Pearl Glam can have different ecological implications than true native species. Native plants have evolved alongside local ecosystems, providing specific support for native wildlife. Hybrid cultivars may not provide the same level of ecological support as their native counterparts.
Distinctive Features of Pearl Glam Beautyberry
Pearl Glam Beautyberry’s foliage emerges with a dark purple hue in spring, maintaining this rich color through the summer and into the fall. This consistent dark leaf coloration provides a strong backdrop for its other ornamental features. In late summer, the shrub produces small, delicate white flowers along its stems.
These blossoms, while subtle, are followed by clusters of glossy, violet-purple berries. These luminous berries develop in abundance and persist well into winter, often remaining on the branches even after the leaves have fallen, creating a vibrant display. The plant typically grows with an upright and compact habit, reaching a mature height of about 4 to 5 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet.
Cultivating Pearl Glam Beautyberry
Pearl Glam Beautyberry thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight promoting best berry production and foliage color. While it can tolerate some shade, too much can lead to a leggy growth habit and reduced fruit display.
The plant prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy conditions. Good drainage is important to prevent root issues, although it can tolerate average moisture levels once established. During its establishment period, regular watering is beneficial to help the plant develop a robust root system. Once mature, Pearl Glam Beautyberry exhibits a degree of drought tolerance.
Pruning, if desired, should be performed in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This timing is optimal because the plant blooms and produces berries on new wood, meaning flowers and fruits will form on the current season’s growth. Pruning can help maintain its compact shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote a more prolific berry display.
Fertilization is generally not a strict requirement if the plant is grown in fertile, well-drained soil. However, if growth appears sluggish or the soil is poor, a granular fertilizer formulated for shrubs can be applied in early spring. Pearl Glam Beautyberry is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, withstanding winter temperatures down to -20°F. In colder parts of its hardiness range, some winter dieback may occur, but the plant typically regrows from the ground in spring and still produces flowers and fruit.
Landscape Applications and Wildlife Value
Pearl Glam Beautyberry is a versatile shrub that adds visual interest to various landscape designs. Its compact, upright form is suitable for mass plantings, creating a striking seasonal impact. It also functions well as a specimen plant, drawing attention with its unique foliage and berry display, or integrated into shrub borders. Its vibrant berry clusters persist into winter, adding color during colder months.
Beyond aesthetics, Pearl Glam Beautyberry offers value to local wildlife. Its small white flowers, appearing in late summer, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The abundant violet-purple berries provide a food source for numerous bird species. Birds are drawn to the berries’ high moisture content, making the shrub beneficial for supporting avian populations.