Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Friday - December 30, 2011
From: NYC, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Propagation, Shrubs
Title: Can I Grow Beautyberry
Answered by: Marilyn Kircus
QUESTION:
Will try to be brief. Beautyberry sprouted leaves in vase of branches in water. It's NYC beginning of winter. Can I plant it outside? If not will it grow in a pot inside? Thanks. Happy New YearANSWER:
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) is not native anywhere in the state of New York. But it can grow there, according to the Plant Files in Dave's Garden. I would not plant it outside until the ground can be worked in spring. If you can pot it up and then keep it cool and perhaps mist it or put it on rocks in tray with a little water to keep the humidity high, and give it bright light, it may grow for you. Use a potting mix that includes compost or add some. Don't use a mix that has fertilizer in it.
In the south it prefers to grow as an understory bush. But you can give it more sun up north, perhaps as much as full sun. I'd make sure it gets at least 5 or 6 hours of full sun. It also likes rich, loamy soil so you may have to build it a spot with additional compost mixed in with your soil.
Good luck with a beautiful plant that will feed birds.
More Propagation Questions
Do pecans and bluebonnets only bloom every other year from New Braunfels TX
November 03, 2010 - Is it true that bluebonnets only seed every other year? I know we see bluebonnets every year, so this is quite a mystery to us.
Also, is it the same with pecan trees?
view the full question and answer
How to sow Eves Necklace seeds.
October 03, 2007 - I have recently acquired some Eve's Necklace seed pods. In order to plant them, do I need to open the pod to get to the seed, or do I just plant the pod? Should I soak or scarify the pod/seed?
view the full question and answer
germinating Gulf coast penstemon and purple coneflower
June 03, 2011 - I'm interested in propagating gulf coast penstemon (penstemon tenuis) from seed. Do I have to mascerate the 'berries' to remove the pulp from the seed, and do I have to stratify the seed to get th...
view the full question and answer
Why is my Horstail falling over in Austin?
October 14, 2010 - I have a Horsetail plant. It was doing great but now, for the last few months, its not growing straight! Its falling over. Why?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting adventitious shoots of a mountain laurel in San Antonio
August 20, 2009 - Is it possible to transplant branches (shoots) growing from a mountain laurel that was chopped down? Some are two years old and several feet tall (but not yet blooming) and some as small as a foot. ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |