Leycesteria formosa | Himalayan Honeysuckle

Planting guides for Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Shrub & Vine seeds can be found at: 

https://bloomoutlet.com/seed-guides/ 

Please read BOTH the seed guide and the PLANT SPECIFIC sowing instructions. If you are unsure of the best way to germinate the seeds, DO NOT SOW ALL THE SEEDS. Keep some in case the germination method you use doesn’t work. 

Cold stratify ALL perennials, shrub & tree seeds for at least 30 days unless the plant specific instructions indicate a longer period. 

If you are not ready to plant the seeds, keep it in the refrigerator (not freezer). 

LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA | HIMALAYAN HONEYSUCKLE

Seed Treatment

  1. Cold Stratification:

    • Mix the seeds with moist sand or peat moss in a sealed plastic bag.

    • Store them in the refrigerator at 35–40°F (1–4°C) for 120 days.

    • Check periodically to ensure they remain moist but not wet.

  2. Pre-Soaking:

    • Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat and speed up germination.

Sowing Instructions

  • Best Sowing Time: Early spring or fall after stratification.

  • Seed Depth: Lightly press the seeds into the soil; do not bury them deeply as they need light to germinate.

  • Soil: Well-draining, light soil with compost or peat mix. pH range of 5.5–7.5.

  • Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. Seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them.

  • Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

  • Temperature: Germination occurs best at 65–75°F (18–24°C).

  • Germination Time: up to 60 days (sometimes longer).

Aftercare & Transplanting

  • Once seedlings develop 2–3 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

  • Harden off before moving them outdoors.

  • Plant in a sheltered, well-drained location with partial to full sun.

  • Water regularly until well established.

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

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