Leycesteria crocothyrsos
golden pheasant-eye
A deciduous, upright shrub with arching shoots reaching a height and spread of 2m with slender-pointed, ovate leaves up to 15cm long and conspicuously veined. In late spring, small yellow flowers are borne in arching terminal racemes up to 17cm long and are followed by small, green, gooseberry-like fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Leycesteria are deciduous shrubs with hollow stems, simple leaves and terminal and axillary racemes of tubular flowers, followed by fleshy berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya, (Assam) Myanmar
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any fertile soil but may suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens so overwinter under cover or protect from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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