AGM Award. Lightly scented flowers attract a wealth of wildlife. The flowers are a magnet for bees and berries attract many species of birds. The small fleshy edible dark purple berries taste like toffee or caramel. Whistles can be made from the hollow plant stems.
USES: Specimen plant, background shrub, filling in corners, growing beneath trees, woodland garden.
Botanical Name: Leycesteria formosa
Common Name: Himalayan Honeysuckle, Treacle Tree, Shrimp Flower, Pheasant Berry
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Flower Color: White flowers with deep red bracts to 6 in (15 cm) long followed by dark purple berries (treacle berries) which are edible. Birds love it. Heart shaped leaves.
Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
Plant Height: 6 ft (1.82 m)
Plant Spread: 6 ft (1.82 m)
Plant Spacing:
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Partial Shade (Partial Shade in hot summer climates)
Water Requirements: Average. Prefers moist soil.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained. Average.
USDA Zones: 7-10
Other Info: Stems will freeze below to the ground when temperatures dip below 15 F (-9 C) but new stems will rise up in spring.
