Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)

Himalayan honeysuckle

Also known as: Himalaya nutmeg, Pheasant berry

As you might guess from its name, himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) is indigenous to the Himalayan mountain range. It produces distinctive purplish berries and small hanging flowers that hummingbirds love. People in England call this plant pheasant berry because pheasants like to nibble on the fruit. The stems are hollow, allowing them to be easily turned into makeshift whistles.

Scientific classification

Species

Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

1 m to 2 m

Plant Height

2.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Purple

Fruit Color

White, Red, Pink, Purple, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Blue, White, Purple

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Himalayan honeysuckle

Distribution of Himalayan honeysuckle

Distribution Map

Himalayan honeysuckle originates from the foothills of the Himalayas in South Asia, thriving in areas ranging from deciduous woodlands to shrubbery across a cluster of Asian regions. Beyond its native range, himalayan honeysuckle has been introduced to various temperate zones across continental Europe and island regions. Himalayan honeysuckle has also found popularity in horticulture, leading to its cultivation in diverse climates due to its ornamental appeal.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Scrub, shady forests, streamside

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The robust and easy-to-grow himalayan honeysuckle is beloved for its red autumn berries and long-lasting, trailing summer blooms, which attract pollinators like a magnet. Wonderful in cottage, wildlife, and low-maintenance gardens, himalayan honeysuckle is a perfect option for landscapes, borders, and as a back-row plant to accent shorter plants.

Interesting Facts

The himalayan honeysuckle's small flowers attract the attention of nectar-eating birds like hummingbirds. As the blooms die off, they are replaced by small berries which themselves bring birds around to eat the fruit and scatter the seeds. The berry flesh has a flavor similar to that of toffee or caramel.

Name Story

Himalayan honeysuckle: Himalayan honeysuckle does not technically belong to the same genus as true honeysuckle plants. Its genus name, Leycesteria, was given in honor of William Leycester, a colonial chief justice in Bengal in the 19th century. The specific epithet, formosa, is not a reference to the island, but rather is a Latin word meaning "handsome" or "beautiful."

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Care Guide for Himalayan honeysuckle

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from mountainous regions, himalayan honeysuckle prefers consistent moisture and partial shade, requiring weekly watering to avoid waterlogging. As a deciduous shrub, its water needs peak during the active growing season, and it adapts well to outdoor settings benefiting from natural rainfall.

Fertilize: To enhance himalayan honeysuckle's growth, apply balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, then bi-monthly or cease in fall and winter. Use half the dose for young plants, and always water well after fertilizing. Avoid overusing fertilizer to prevent damage to himalayan honeysuckle.

Pruning: Himalayan honeysuckle features arching stems and tubular flowers, needing pruning in late spring. Cut old stems to ground level and remove dead ones to support new growth. Post-flowering pruning encourages tidiness, enhances air circulation, and fosters prolific flowering for healthier growth.

Propagation: Himalayan honeysuckle is propagated via semi-hardwood stem cuttings of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Strip lower leaves, use rooting hormone, and plant in moist, well-draining soil with indirect light and humidity. Roots develop in a few weeks, followed by gradual acclimatization to normal conditions.

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Images of Himalayan honeysuckle

Distribution of Himalayan honeysuckle

Culture

Care Guide for Himalayan honeysuckle

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