About
This deciduous shrub to 1.8m high, forming a thicket of upright, cane-like stems bearing bright yellow-green tapered leaves that are flushed with reddish pink. Pendent clusters of white flowers with conspicuous dark red bracts are produced in summer, followed by purple-brown berries in autumn.
About the genus
Leycesteria are deciduous shrubs with hollow stems, simple leaves and terminal and axillary racemes of tubular flowers, followed by fleshy berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
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
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Heavy, wet soils are best avoided. In areas prone to hard frosts, will benefit from a deep mulch in autumn
PruningCan be lightly pruned after flowering, or cut back hard in early spring (see pruning group 3 or pruning group 6)
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)