Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan honeysuckle
A vigorous, deciduous shrub with erect sea-green stems bearing long-pointed, ovate leaves and pendulous racemes of white flowers with showy red-purple bracts, followed by deep purple berries
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 | Blue Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | Purple White | Green | |
| Autumn | Blue Green | Purple White | Green | Purple |
| Winter | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easily grown in any garden, but especially good for woodland gardens in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 6 in early spring when stems can be cut to ground level or Pruning group 3 after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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