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    • Photo of Leycesteria formosa flower by Rob Hille

    Photo by Rob Hille

    This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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    Leycesteria formosa

    Also Known As

    • Himalayan Honeysuckle

    Plant type

    shrub

    size

    • H: 6'-8'
    • W: 6'-8'

    planting zones

    • 7a-10b

    More Options

    Leycesteria formosa plant details

    Leycesteria formosa is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer purple and white flowers emerge followed by black, green and purple fruit. Attracts bees, birds and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Leycesteria formosa

    Plant type: shrub
    Plant family: caprifoliaceae
    Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
    Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
    Flowers: purple and white blooms in fall and summer
    Uses: dangling flowers, fragrant

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Leycesteria formosa

    USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
    Resistant to: heat and humidity
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    From bluish-green, hollow stems arise dense drooping panicles of pink flowers in red bracts followed in fall by shiny dark fruits. S/M

    By: Forestfarm

    An interesting plant grown for its summer flowers that dangle in pendant racemes of red bracts tipped with white blooms. These are followed by edible fall berries that taste of caramel flambé (a dessert favorite of the birds anyway…). Vigorous deciduous shrub with a soft arching form, about 6' high and wide; less in colder climates where canes will die back to the ground below 15 °F and quickly re-sprout in spring… Sun to dappled shade in a sheltered position, free draining soil (dislikes heavy, soggy spots).

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    The Himalayan Honeysuckle, also known as the Pheasant Berry or Chocolate Berry, is a deciduous shrub native to the Himalayas. An interesting plant, the upright canes are hollow and waxy with large, spade shaped leaves that give the shrub a lofty appearance. Growing up to 6 feet tall, the Himalayan Honeysuckle responds well to pruning and can be kept much smaller. Beginning in late spring and persisting until the first frost are pendulous bunches of maroon flowers that hang down from the branches that give an exotic and tropical look. In early summer, flowers will begin to produce heavy crops of berries that are famed to taste like chocolate, or coffee to some, that give this plant its nickname ‘Chocolate Berry’. We find that they remind us more of some sweet coffee drink, but the flavor is very unique. Cold hardy to USDA zone 7a, or to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

    By: Wanderlust Nursery

    This Nepalese woodland shrub is adorned first with clusters of white-tipped, tubular pink flowers surrounded by beet red bracts. Later, its fruit matures into shiny chocolate- brown berries that taste like caramel-flavored raisins. Its pointed, heart-shaped leaves extend stiffly from bamboolike, sea-green stems. We plant it as a specimen next to walkways so that we can enjoy the colorful details.

    By: Digging Dog Nursery

    A rarely offered shrub w/ drooping panicles of flowers on vivid sea-green stems, rich claret bracts that are gorgeous. These whorls of bright color persist into fall when multi-colored fruits of green, purple & black appear. Most showy in full sun. EXTREMELY RARE! This is a fabulous, fabulous easy shrub.

    By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

    Pendent 4" white flowers with purple bracts dangle from upright hollow stems in summer. 6 x 6 feet. Cut back to the ground before spring.

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Pendant white flowers, purple-red bracts, bamboo like canes.

    By: Thompson's Nursery

    Gardening facts about Leycesteria formosa plant

    How to Grow Leycesteria formosa

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - occasional

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • humidity tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white
      • purple

    • Wildlife

      • birds
      • bees
      • hummingbirds

    • Fruit

      • green
      • purple
      • black

    • Flower Season

      • fall
      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous
      • semi-evergreen

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