Himalayan Honeysuckle
Leycesteria formosa
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer. Form: Oval.
Leycesteria formosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Scrub and shady forests, often by streams, to 3000 metres.
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas. An occasional garden escape in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit? - one unconfirmed report said that the fruit is edible. In the better forms, the fully ripe and very soft fruit is very sweet with a treacle-like flavour, though in other forms it has a very bitter taste and is not very desirable.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The hollow stems can be made into whistles and flutes.
Musical: Specific mention of plants used as musical instruments. Does not include the various woods that can be used for making musical instruments.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Seashore, Specimen, Woodland garden. Succeeds in most fertile soils, preferably of a woodland nature. In Britain it grows better in full sun than in shade. Tolerates limy soils. Tolerates urban pollution, maritime conditions and windswept locations, though not full maritime exposure. This species is hardy to -15°c, it can be cut to the ground in severe winters but usually resprouts from the base. The flowers, which are delicately scented, are borne at the end of the current season's growth. Birds, especially pheasants, are very fond of the fruit. Plants frequently self-sow when growing in suitable conditions. Plants do not normally need pruning though weak shoots can be cut back to ground level in the spring in order to encourage more vigorous growth. Special Features:Attracts birds, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in late autumn. Very easy when done this way, it germinates in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or following spring. Stored seed requires a period of cold stratification and can take more than a year to germinate. Sow it as soon as possible in a cold frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 25cm with a heel, planted in open ground in October/November. Good percentage. Cuttings of greenwood in spring in a frame. Division in autumn. Very simple, plant the divisions out direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 10-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist