Callicarpa Bodinieri Magical Snowqueen Beautyberry

Callicarpa Bodinieri Magical Snowqueen, also known as Beautyberry Magical Snow Queen, is a truly eye-catching deciduous shrub with year-round appeal. A standout member of the Callicarpa Bodinieri or Beautyberry family, it is especially admired for its clusters of small, pearl-white berries that light up bare winter branches after the beautiful autumn foliage has dropped. A relative newcomer, the Magical Snowqueen variety offers a striking contrast to more traditional purple-berried cultivars such as Callicarpa Bodinieri Profusion.

This elegant shrub begins the season with softly textured green leaves that transition into a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. Once the foliage falls, the real show begins: the bare stems are adorned with dense clusters of iridescent white berries, giving a beaded or snow-dusted appearance. In summer, delicate pinkish-lilac flowers appear in the leaf axils, adding subtle interest before the main event. Unlike other members of the Callicarpa genus, which typically bear violet or amethyst-toned fruit, Callicarpa Magical Snowqueen produces pearly white berries that offer a fresh and modern twist. These berries remain on the stems well into winter, attracting birds and brightening the winter garden.

Height and Width of Callicarpa Bodinieri Magical Snowqueen

This variety forms a rounded, upright shrub reaching around 1.5 to 2 metres in height and spread, making it an excellent choice for mixed borders or as a striking winter specimen.

How hardy is Callicarpa Magical Snowqueen?

Callicarpa Bodinieri Magical Snowqueen is fully hardy across most parts of the UK. It is best planted in a sheltered position with protection from harsh winds, which can dry out or damage young growth. Although tolerant of colder conditions, berry production is enhanced with a long, warm summer and mild early autumn.

Uses in Garden and / or Landscape

Ideal for adding winter interest, this compact beautyberry is perfect for borders, woodland edges, or even containers in smaller gardens. Its upright form and unusual winter berries make it a valuable feature in seasonal planting schemes. Try underplanting with winter-flowering perennials or positioning near evergreens to highlight its snowy fruits.

Care Tips

Plant Callicarpa Magical Snowqueen in full sun or light dappled shade in well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best in fertile, loamy ground. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage berry production on the new season’s wood. For best results, plant more than one Callicarpa to ensure good cross-pollination and a profusion of berries. Callicarpa Bodinieri Magical Snowqueen was bred for ornamental use and is part of the Magical® series, known for its refined, high-performing cultivars. Its distinctive snow-white berries make it a unique and sophisticated alternative to more commonly seen varieties, bringing a fresh look to the winter garden.