This eye-catching winter planter features the vibrant purple tones of a young Beauty Berry shrub (Callicarpa ‘Profusion’) paired with a bud bloomer heather, Calluna vulgaris ‘Amethyst’. A silver variegated lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Silver Edge’) and English Ivy (‘Glacier’) provide some contrast and soften the planter edge. The berries should last into January.
Hedera helix ‘Glacier’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
is an evergreen vine or trailing plant (when used in a container) with grey-green foliage and irregular creamy-white marginal variegation. It is perhaps one of the most common cultivars of English Ivy and can be grown as a houseplant. Tolerates shade to full sun. Grows 4-6″ high by 2-6′ wide or tall. Hardy to zone 6.
Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ – This is the only 
Beauty Berry cultivar to have in your garden, as ‘Profusion’ bears abundant deep violet berries that almost look artificial. This AGM winner has small pink flowers that are hidden in the foliage, but once the leaves drop in autumn, it is a real showpiece. Works well in planters. Grows 4-6′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 6.
Lavandula x intermedia ‘Silver Edge’ (syn. ‘Walvera’, ‘
Walberton’s Silver Edge’) – This evergreen shrub was discovered as a sport in Sussex, England. It bears dusty purplish-blue flowers in summer that can be dried and used in sachets or potpourri. The handsome silvery-green foliage is subtly edged in creamy-white. Drought tolerant. Grows 24-30″ high by 18″ wide. Zone 5.
Calluna vulgaris ‘Amethyst’ – This Scotch heather is a bud 
bloomer type that is part of the Garden Girls series bred by Kurt Kramer in Germany. It produces purplish flower buds (that don’t open) which keep their colour from late August until January. These are nicely contrasted by spiky dark green foliage. Good for fall or winter containers. Grows 12-15″ high by 16-20″. Zone 5.
Mike's Garden Guide 