About
Leycesteria formosa, the Himalayan honeysuckle or pheasant berry, is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with erect, sea-green, bamboo-like stems bearing long-pointed, ovate leaves and pendulous racemes of white flowers with conspicuous, claret-red bracts, followed by deep-purple berries much loved by pheasants and other birds. An ornamental and fast-growing shrub for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded 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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
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 toPakistan to Myanmar
FragranceFruit
ToxicityFruit 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
Care notes
CultivationEasily grown in any garden, but especially good for woodland gardens in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 6 in early spring when stems can be cut to ground level or Pruning group 3 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)