Shiny Disco Balls

Words by Jessica Peace

I’ve called Callicarpa the ‘Disco Berry’ so much, I think it’s the common name, it’s not. The (official) common name is ‘Beauty Berry’. Its purple, glaucous fruits form bubbling clusters on bare stems and frankly, rock.

BOLD BOUQET
Cut the stems in autumn and add this crowd pleaser to your bouquets, vases and drained wine bottles.

RATING
Attention Seeker.

This disco diva is a sun worshipper and a heavy drinker but likes some privacy so give it a sheltered spot with a nutrient rich, free draining soil. Try Callicarpa Japonica , a smaller species for containers and ‘Alba’ for white berries.

For more ways to up the style anti of your bouquet’s have a nosey at Nik’s book.