Our customer brought in a vine w/leaves and a stem with a 2" diameter cluster of 1/8' - 1/4" dark, dark blue berries! The berry cluster is the shape of a perfect ball. . . bigger than a golf ball! Smaller than a tennis ball! Leaves are medium or kelly green color, not a deep green without any nodules in leaves just a simple shape. This customer says it grows about or at least an INCH A NIGHT!! I can provide pictures. We live in Chillicothe, Illinois - Zone 5. . . getting closer to Zone 6. Please help us identify and Thank You for your time.
Juliet
It sounds like a beautyberry, though there are a few varieties it could be. They are known for growing quickly and can survive up to zone 6. With the mild winter last year and you being located nearish to zone 6, it is possible that a seed was dropped by a bird and was able to establish in your area.
My friend had a large bush with leaves that were green on top and purple underneath with small berries. She called it a “Beauty Bush” but I can’t find it in books. She has passed on and I would like to find one. The new owners of her house dug it up. It did not die down in winter. Any ideas of the real name?
I think you may be looking for the beautyberry shrub Kolkwitzia amabilis.
My friend had a large bush with leaves that were green on top and purple underneath with small berries. She called it a "Beauty Bush" but i can't find it in books. She has passed on and I would like to find one. The new owners of her house dug it up. It did not die down in winter, Any ideas of the real name?
When should I prune my purple beautyberry shrub?
These shrubs generally bloom on new wood and are, therefore, pruned in late winter prior to new growth in spring.
I received a beautyberry bush for Christmas. I live in PA. What should I do with it until I plant it in the spring or can I plant it now?
The Beautyberry shrub is hardy in zones 7 thru 10.
Since most of the state of PA is zones 6 with the exception of the Philadelphia, this shrub will be difficult for you to plant in the ground and keep as a perennial.
If this is a potted plant you will need to keep indoors until spring when the danger of frost has passed.
If you received a bare root plant, I would pot it now and give the plant a start so you can move outdoors in the spring.
My research shows that the Beautyberry can be grown in a pot with good success. You will have to keep the shrub pruned to keep the size manageable since you will have to move indoors each year when the temperatures drop.
Here are some links with more information.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1086.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/beautyberry-shrub/american-beautyberry-shrubs.htm
The branches look limp & flop over. I pruned it back last winter, but every year it looks droopy! Suggestions?
Your shrub looks like a normal growing Beautyberry.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/beautyberry-shrub/american-beautyberry-shrubs.htm
Its branches are floppy, & it's not growing in the rounded shape that it should w/ pruning (a local horticulturist agreed). Any advice? I don't want to cut it back now & lose the berries later.
You can help change the shape by pruning, but prune only in later winter or early spring.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/beautyberry-shrub/american-beautyberry-shrubs.htm
I planted beauty berry bush in the end of m May .Looks like alive. When will I see other signs that plant is growing?
So you have any new leaves?
Do the stems bend or snap off?
If the stems snap, they have died.
This link will refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/beautyberry-shrub/american-beautyberry-shrubs.htm