Berry-producing shrubs offer colour and texture to a home landscape. Purple-berried shrubs are not as common as the favorite red berry, however there are a number of choices that work well either as a border or solitude shrub. Determine your wants, sunlight amount and dirt conditions before choosing the best purple berries for the planned planting area.
Beautyberry
Purple Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) is a deciduous shrub growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. The shrub produces light pink flowers in the summer that flip to lilac-colored rows of berries that standout against the light green foliage in early autumn. Purple beautyberry grows to a height up to 6 feet tall with a branch spread of 6 feet. The branches have an arching or drooping appearance which makes the shrub an elegant addition to the landscape. Beautyberry prefers full sunlight and is attractive to birds.
David Viburnum
David viburnum (V. davidii) is a kind of viburnum that produces a berry with a tinge of purple. The ornamental shrub grows best in USDA zones 7 through 9, maintaining a little dome shape with a mature height up to five feet. Metallic blue-purple berries appear on the tree following the tiny white flowers fade. David viburnum prefers a partially shaded growing location with moist, well-draining dirt.
Leatherlead Viburnum
Leatherleaf viburnum (V. rhytidophyllum) rises in USDA zones 6 through 9 and has slightly different attributes than David viburnum. The clusters of crimson fruit turn to a black-purple shade as the strawberries era through the growing season. Leatherleaf viburnum includes a mature height up to 15 feet and then spread up to 12 feet. The distinctive foliage is dark green with a soft fuzz on the undersides. Leatherleaf viburnum tolerates moderately shaded growing areas and prefers a rich soil that is moist and acidic.
Western Serviceberry
Western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) is a deciduous shrub from the rose family which reaches a height up to 12 feet and takes on a tree shape when left to develop naturally. The shrub produces 1-inch-long clusters of creamy purple-blue berries which may be used for jams and jellies. The vegetables and flowers are attractive to birds and mammals. Western serviceberry also goes by the title Saskatoon and can be found growing in USDA zones 3 through 8. The shrub prefers full sunlight, but is tolerant of light shade. Pick a moist, rich soil for best growth and berry production.