Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Leycesteria formosa
Plant Common Name
Himalayan Honeysuckle
General Description
This medium-sized deciduous shrub from the Himalayas provides summer and fall display with its conspicuous flower bracts and fruits.
The hollow, arching, blue-green stems of this fast-growing shrub are furnished with paired, bright green, oval leaves. Spikes of large conspicuous maroon bracts give rise to small white tubular flowers in summer and early fall. The green berries that follow the flowers mature to red and then purple. Hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar, and the bitter-tasting fruits are eaten by animals and birds that disperse its seeds.
Plant Himalayan honeysuckle in moist, well-drained soil in full to partial sun. Partial shade is best in hot climates. This shrub often dies to the ground in cold winters, but rapidly regrows in spring provided the roots survive. A thick airy winter mulch will boost root-hardiness. Himalayan honeysuckle is a lovely specimen for a mixed border or shrub planting. It also is suitable for a cool greenhouse.
This shrub has proven invasive in many areas including parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Western Asia, India, Nepal, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Red, Green, Purple
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Bark Color
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
