Callicarpa dichotoma Albibacca

The Callicarpa dichotoma 'Albicacca' is a recent variety of Callicarpa that is also known as the candy tree or bush due to its small, round berries that grow in clusters. The plant is of small size, making it well-adapted to small spaces and suitable for pot cultivation for terrace decoration. During autumn and winter, the Callicarpa dichotoma 'Albicacca' is a beautiful sight, with its immaculate white berries and pale gold foliage with pink undertones lasting on the branches until December. It should be planted in ordinary soil, even limestone, but not in overly dry conditions during summer.

The Callicarpa Albicacca is a new plant created from Callicarpa dichotoma, found in medium mountain forests in China. It is a deciduous shrub from the Lamiaceae family, along with plants like salvias and mints. The 'Albicacca' bush is small, growing up to 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in height and 90 cm (35.4 in) in width. It produces about 40 pale pink flowers with yellow stamens between June and July. After the flowers, the shrub has numerous white and shiny berries with a diameter of 3.5 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) that grow in clusters along the stems. The berries persist until winter and attract birds. The shrub's leaves are oval-shaped and veined with purple, turning a pale yellow with hints of pink and mauve in autumn.

Place the Callicarpa 'Albicacca' in a prominent position to enjoy its beautiful berries that shine in autumn. They are so cheerful during the gloomy days of early winter! It is advisable to plant callicarpa in groups of three to improve pollination and thus fruit formation. This very hardy and accommodating bush, which requires very little maintenance, will be enhanced by a carpet of Stachys byzantina or silver basket for example. Its autumn foliage will go well with that of Lysimachia clethroides or golden Hostas ('Daybreak', 'On Stage'). To accompany it, you can choose other shrubs with decorative berries such as symphorines, a small strawberry tree 'Compacta', Mahonia, Holly, Cotoneaster suecicus Coral Beauty.