Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain'
Himalayan honeysuckle
- 2 litre pot
- £19.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
Hollow, suckering stems form a leafy thicket, which throughout summer and into autumn, is crowned with colourful flower clusters. From a distance, the blooms appear to be a rich claret-purple, but up close, it's easier to see that they're actually white - but each one is encased by richly coloured bracts. The flowers are not particularly long-lasting (and they're soon replaced by reddish purple berries), but the bracts will last for ages - offering several months of colour and interest. Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain' is a beautiful shrub, that makes a great addition to the mixed border or woodland edge.
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position, sheltered from strong, cold winds. Water regularly during dry periods, especially while establishing. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of mulch around the base in autumn to conserve moisture and protect roots from frost.
Trim back tall or untidy stems to healthy buds immediately after flowering, or in early spring cut back to a low, permanent framework as buds begin to swell. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood at the same time. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and abundant flowering and fruiting.
Trim back tall or untidy stems to healthy buds immediately after flowering, or in early spring cut back to a low, permanent framework as buds begin to swell. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood at the same time. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and abundant flowering and fruiting.
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten