Leycesteria formosa

Leycesteria formosa, also known as the Pheasant Tree, is an ornamental bush with vertical and bushy growth and abundant flowering. From July to October, it captivates with its small white flowers carried by long purple-red spikes that are very decorative. Later, the flowers are replaced by juicy purple berries that birds love. Its semi-evergreen bluish-green foliage turns beautiful yellow-orange shades in autumn. Perfect as a flowering hedge, at the heart of a shrub bed, or even as a standalone plant!

Leycesteria, also known as the Pheasant Tree or Himalayan Honeysuckle, is a bush from the Caprifoliaceae family. Native to Asia, it owes its name to William Leycester, an English magistrate passionate about botany... and its nickname, as one can guess, to its great popularity among pheasants! It forms a medium-sized bush with an upright and bushy habit. Its rigid, hollow green branches, slightly curved at maturity, give it an attractive appearance - even in winter when they are devoid of leaves. It is fast-growing, reaching 2m (6ft 7in) in height and about 1.5m (4ft 11in) in width at maturity. Flowering occurs in late summer/early autumn. The bush is covered with small white flowers surrounded by bracts of a rich and deep purple-red, giving the bush a somewhat exotic look. Its oval leaves provide a wonderful contrast with their beautiful bluish-green colour, turning yellow-orange in autumn. Its purple fruits are spherical, shiny, and appear after flowering, from August to November. Often, the clusters are simultaneously covered with berries at their base and flowers at their tips.

Leycesteria thrives in partial shade or non-burning sun, in all types of soil (preferably fertile and well-drained); it is robust and resistant to diseases, pollution, and coastal conditions. Pruning is not obligatory, but cutting back the stems in late winter will allow your Leycesteria to thrive even more (flowers appear on the wood of the year). Beware: although appetizing, the berries are quite indigestible... it's better to leave them to the birds! It pairs beautifully with plants with purple foliage, such as the 'Harlequin' Barberry or Sand Cherry. It will find its place in a flowering hedge, at the heart of a shrub bed, or even alone alongside white or light pink shrub roses and Mexican Orange Blossom. It can also be grown in a container, but remember to bring it indoors in winter as it will be more vulnerable than when planted in the ground.