SafePlants

Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)

Himalayan Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Leycesteria formosa, is a striking deciduous shrub appreciated for its unique appearance and wildlife value.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces fleshy berries that may be tempting to animals.
• The plant has hollow, cane-like stems.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces fleshy berries that may be tempting to children.
• The plant has hollow, cane-like stems.

Common Names

• Himalayan Honeysuckle
• Flowering Nutmeg
• Pheasant Berry
• Granny's curls
• False Nutmeg
• Lydia

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Leycesteria formosa
• Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
• Genus: Leycesteria
• Synonyms: Leycesteria formosa Wallich.
• Cultivars: Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' (also sold as Leycesteria formosa = 'Notbruce' PBR), Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain', Leycesteria formosa 'Longstock', Leycesteria Formosa Gold Leaf
• Type: Asterid dicot genus (genus of more or less advanced dicotyledonous herbs and some trees and shrubs)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Himalaya and southwestern China (including Western China and Eastern Tibet)

Ecological Role

• Considered a noxious invasive species in some regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous shrub growing to approximately 2.5 meters (8 feet) in height and width.
• Medium growth rate.
• Erect or upright habit, sometimes described as having a "bamboo-like" appearance.
• Hollow stems that are round and green, persisting into the winter.
• Simple leaves.
• Terminal and axillary racemes of tubular flowers.
• Trailing white and claret (dark red) flowers.
• Small white flowers appear in reddish bracts during the summer.
• Arching stems (particularly in cultivars like 'Golden Lanterns').
• Thicket-forming shrub.
• Bright green foliage, sometimes with hints of red in new growth.

Quirky Facts

• The stems of Leycesteria formosa resemble bamboo, and are often featured in winter gardens after the leaves have fallen.
• It's sometimes planted agriculturally to provide cover for game birds, which enjoy the ripe berries.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The berries are eaten by birds, making it a wildlife-friendly plant.
• Often planted as cover for game birds.

Suitable Locations

• Dry and shady
• Dry and sunny
• Moist and sunny
• Moist and shady
• Any soil preference.

Additional Information

• Hardy to zone (UK) 7.
• Flowers from June to September.
• Hardiness Zone: 7a - 7b.
• Blooming Season: Late Summer.