Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)
Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)
Himalayan honeysuckle is a beautiful plant that can provide food for birds and bees, and sometimes people...
Coming from East Asia,
Himalayan honeysuckle
is a deciduous shrub growing to about 2 - 3 m. An understorey plant, it thrives in dappled woodland shade where its lovely drooping, white and burgundy flowers will add decoration and food for the bees for most of the summer. It is happy in any soil type that is on the moist side, and only requires pruning if it out grows it's space or to keep it tidy.
The fruit is a berry about the size of a blueberry, shiny and dark red/purple in colour, they do look delicious and sometimes have a treacly flavour though often they are considered too bitter for our taste, but the birds, especially any pheasants in your garden will be delighted!