Leycesteria formosa (Himalayan Honeysuckle, Flowering Nutmeg or Pheasant Berry)

Botanical Information

FamilyCaprifoliaceae
GenusLeycesteria
Speciesformosa
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginThe Himalaya's and southwestern China.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7-10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone6b - 9a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-20) - 1
Temperature (°F)4 - 34
Height2-2.4 m
Spread1-1.2 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeBlackbirds eat the seeds from this plant.
PropagationSow fresh seed immediately in a cold frame and it will germinate in the spring. Stored seed needs a minimum of three months cold stratification at 5°C and may take up to a year to germinate.
CultivationThe plant grows in all soil types. It can grow in semi-shade or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Notable SpecimensTrebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall.
HabitatScrub and forest edge to 3000 m.
Leaf DescriptionThe dark green leaves are opposite, ovate and tapered, 6-18 cm long and 4-9 cm broad, with an entire or wavy margin.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are produced on 5-10 cm long deep red pendulous racemes. Each flower is small, white, delicately scented, and subtended by a purple bract.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a soft purple-black berry 1 cm diameter, eaten by birds which disperse the seeds.

Photographs