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Thursday 30th June. Due to staff shortages in the office, there will be delays in answering telephones. There is full information on availabilities and ordering on the website.
LEYCESTERIA formosa
Commonly known as Flowering nutmeg, Himalayan honeysuckle, Pheasant berry
Pheasant Berry - with wine-red flower bracts and large red fruits which turn purple
Further Reading....
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DeciduousTapered, dark-green leaves to 17cm (7in) long.
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RedWine red
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Height2m (6½ft)
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Spread2m (6½ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightUpright, thicket-forming shrub with attractive bamboo-like first-year shoots. Flowers are followed by spherical, red-purple berries
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Hardy - average winterHardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
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Full sunshelter from cold winds.
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Partial shade
LEYCESTERIA formosa
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowA subject popular in Victorian shrubberies. Wildlife plant - birds eat berries.Ornamental barkPests & DiseasesNonePlace of originHimalayas, western China.Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeSpikesPendent spikes to 10cm (4in) long, terminally, or from the upper leaf axils
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 2Suitable for: Deciduous shrubs and trees that flower in Spring or early Summer on previous year's growth, including plants that produce new growth at or near ground level.
Pruning: Prune flowered shoots to strong buds. Cut back approximately 1/4 of old shoots to the base to promote replacement growth.
When: Annually, after flowering.
RHS groups 2 & 3Pruning group 4Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
RHS group 5, 6 & 7 -
Seasonal InterestAutumn
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soil
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Leycesteria - Growing Guide
2m (6½ft)
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2m (6½ft) |

LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Golden Lanterns'
Pheasant berry, Himalayan honeysuckle, Flowering nutmeg
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Buy Varieties of LEYCESTERIA formosa


LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Golden Lanterns'
Flowering nutmeg, Himalayan honeysuckle, Pheasant berry
young foliage is a delicate yellow becoming lighter yellow. Best in partial shade

LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Little Lanterns'
Flowering nutmeg, Himalayan honeysuckle, Pheasant berry
compact form. Bright golden-green leaves and white pendant flowers, followed by purple berries
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50