About
Leycesteria crocothyrsos, the golden pheasant-eye, is a deciduous, upright shrub with arching shoots to 2 m bearing slender-pointed, ovate leaves up to 15 cm long with conspicuous veins. In late spring, small, yellow flowers are borne in arching, terminal racemes to 17 cm long, followed by small, green, gooseberry-like fruits. An elegant and unusual deciduous shrub for a sheltered, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Leycesteria are deciduous shrubs with hollow, cane-like stems, simple leaves and terminal and axillary racemes of tubular flowers, followed by fleshy berries. Grown in sheltered, sunny or partly shaded gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya, (Assam) Myanmar
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrows 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
PruningPruning group 3
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)