Another invasive plant Guy should have

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Aug 31, 2006

This is my worst offender, as far as invasive plants go. Callicarpa dichotoma seeds itself all over my yard, my potted material, etc. I have not seen it anywhere beyond my cultivated spaces so far. Although very pretty from now until Thanksgiving because of the gazillions of clustered bb-sized fruit, it is no great beauty the rest of the year. It is tough as nails, however, enduring just absolutely Sahara-dry peat mix in pots, and deer will not touch it. Even a moderate winter does seem to cause dieback though.

Scott

Thumbnail by Decumbent
Post #2679333
Quote
Decumbent Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6b) Aug 31, 2006

Here is Callicarpa americana in flower. I'm really pushing the hardiness on this plant. It survived last winter okay, but that wasn't much of a winter to gauge such things with. Some green berries are on the plants now. I'll post a photo when they change color.

Scott

Thumbnail by Decumbent
Post #2679341
Quote
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Aug 31, 2006

But you must admit that this one lives up to it's name.

Thumbnail by escambiaguy
Post #2679631
Quote
StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 01, 2006

We can't keep the native species alive here. C. dichotoma and C. japonica survive here but don't reproduce, and die back in hard winters. What a difference a zone makes!
Guy S.

Post #2681731
Quote
levilyla Baltimore, MD(Zone 7a) Sep 01, 2006

I have a tiny one and it has done hardly anything...does it need sun? I guess so. I love the berries and hope mine reseeds.

Post #2681808
Quote
hart Shenandoah Valley, VA Sep 01, 2006

I have one I planted 10 years ago and have never had it self sow anywhere. It's a very tough plant, extremely drought tolerant. I would assume it needs full sun and a spot that's not too wet, levilyla, since it does so well here in a very dry spot with full sun. But I looked it up - native habitat is lightly shaded woods and apparently it's fine in sun or part shade, average to moist soils.

The plant files say it requires acid to neutral soil. It's thriving here in very alkaline soil.

Post #2681833
Quote
escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Sep 01, 2006

The one in my picture is the native species and it gets shade until noon and then is in full sun the rest of the day. It started looking a little droopy when the drought got really bad but as you can see, it didn't affect the berries any. They are not weedy here for me, and don't reproduce nearly as much as elderberry.

Post #2681957
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP