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    LEYCESTERIA
    LEYCESTERIA formosa
    LEYCESTERIA formosa
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    <
    LEYCESTERIA formosa LEYCESTERIA formosa LEYCESTERIA formosa LEYCESTERIA formosa ACANTHUS spinosus and LEYCESTERIA formosa © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. DRIMYS aromatica and LEYCESTERIA formosa © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. LEYCESTERIA formosa and PHILADELPHUS 'Manteau d'Hermine' © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
    >

    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
     
    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Flowering
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    • Berries
      These plants have berries.
    • Good to know
      A subject popular in Victorian shrubberies. Wildlife plant - birds eat berries.
    • Ornamental bark
    • Pests & Diseases
      None
    • Place of origin
      Himalayas, western China.
    • Resistant to honey fungus
      These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
    • Deciduous
      Tapered, dark-green leaves to 17cm (7in) long.
    • Red
      Wine red
    • Spikes
      Pendent spikes to 10cm (4in) long, terminally, or from the upper leaf axils
    • Border
      Suitable for a shrub border
    • Fully hardy
    • Entire
    • Ovate
    • Height
      2m (6½ft)
    • Spread
      2m (6½ft)
    • Medium shrub
      Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
      Upright, thicket-forming shrub with attractive bamboo-like first-year shoots. Flowers are followed by spherical, red-purple berries
    • Pruning group 2
      Suitable 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.

    • Pruning group 4
      Suitable 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.

    • Hardy - average winter
      Hardy 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)
    • Autumn Seasonal Interest
    • Fertile well drained soil
    • Full sun
      shelter from cold winds.
    • Partial shade
    • Mature Size
      2m (6½ft)
      		 Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
        2m (6½ft)
      		  
    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
    View Customers Also Bought
    View Planting Combinations

    varieties
    LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Golden Lanterns'
    Young foliage is a delicate yellow becoming lighter yellow. Best in partial shade
     
    3 Litre
    £15.50
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order
    LEYCESTERIA formosa 'Little Lanterns'
    Small growing form with golden-green leaves, white pendant flowers and purple berries
     
    3 Litre
    £15.50
    Estimated availability autumn 2026 Any time SEPT-DEC
    Not yet confirmed. Could be any time between September and December.
    Notify me when this plant is available to order

    Useful extras...

    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)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
    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.
    0.9 kg
    £6.00
    Unavailable
    2.5 kg
    £13.00
    Unavailable
    4.5 kg
    £25.00
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Wildflower Mini Meadow
    Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
    3m²
    £7.00
    10m²
    £15.50
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