Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain'

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan honeysuckle 'Purple Rain'
Shrubs

'Purple Rain' is a deciduous shrub with green, arching, cane-like stems and soft, pointed leaves. Small white flowers, with deep purply-red bracts, appear in hanging clusters in summer and autumn, followed by shiny, deep purple berries

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Leycesteria are deciduous shrubs with hollow stems, simple leaves and terminal and axillary racemes of tubular flowers, followed by fleshy berries
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Easily grown in any garden, but especially good for woodland gardens in sun or shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 3

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)