Isn't it interesting that every year the *American* Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) blooms coincide with the arrival of Memorial Day. A day first observed in 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Since then this holiday's significance has been extended to honor all those who paid the ultimate price for our nation. I am grateful for each man and woman who has fallen for the freedom we hold so dear in this great nation.
These pale pink flowers are delicate and tiny borne on the stems of a rugged native plant. One that requires very little care from the gardener. It is not persnickety about soil or irrigation as it will survive drought conditions in well drained soil. It prefers filtered light but will adapt to sunnier locations.
Come late summer/early fall the flowers will turn to those gorgeous magenta berries the birds love to feast on. This is one of those plants I've added more of each year. They look great for that naturalized feeling I'm leaning towards more and more.
**For those of you who live in the Tampa Bay Area they can be purchased in summertime for a very reasonable price at Pine Lake Nursery.**
Have a safe and thankful Memorial Day.
Meems
What a beauty, Meems!
ReplyDeleteMeems - incredible macro photography, very cool plant!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of those delicate flowers. Funny how those sweet pink flowers turn into red-hot magenta berries. My one little plant still has berries on it and is also putting out flowers. I would have thought the mockingbirds would have stripped those berries by now.
ReplyDeleteHey Meems...Beautyberry is such a special plant and so easy to grow. Beautiful close-up pics!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a gorgeous plant!
ReplyDeleteMeems, You aren't "just a gardener", you are as much an artist, both in your garden arrangements as well as your photography.
ReplyDelete