Callicarpa dichotoma Issai

Less well known, smaller and a more compact plant than the popular C. giraldii Profusion, this Callicarpa is equally beautiful and more suitable for small gardens, borders or containers. Like Profusion it is grown primarily for its stunning unusually coloured berries which can appear almost fluorescent; it is an excellent addition to any garden where some autumn colour is required. Issai will produce an excellent crop of berries as a single plant but a small improvement can be achieved by planting in groups. In addition to the berries the long slender branches have a very pleasing arching form, often touching the ground and the leaves, which are arranged in a single plane are also attractive in both Spring and Autumn. A great favourite with flower arrangers. This plant can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or other container. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade and become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year.