Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’

This medium-sized shrub may look a little anonymous in spring and summer but there is no ignoring its clusters of metallic purple berries come autumn. Perhaps an acquired taste, it goes well with purple-themed plants such as Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’, alongside Chaenomeles ‘Nivalis’ when the latter’s flowers are just opening in early winter. Grows to 3m x 2.5m.

H x S: 3m x 2.5m

Aspect and soil: best in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade.

Use: Great in winter gardens but otherwise a good foil in the middle of the border for other plants in the spring and summer. Fantastic in winter bouquets.

Care: Prune in early spring, cutting back to the main stem frame to keep compact.

Wildlife: —

Hazard: —

Origin: Western and central China.

Hardiness: H6