Japanese Callicarpa

Callicarpa japonica

Native to:
China, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Callicarpa
Species:
Callicarpa japonica
USDA Symbol:
CAJA11

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, lavender
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification and may show erratic germination. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society