Leycesteria formosa Purple Rain

The Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain' is a bush that grows vertically and densely and produces abundant flowers. Its tiny white flowers are carried by long, dark red spikes that are very decorative, captivating anyone who sees them from July to October. Later, the flowers are replaced by juicy, purple berries loved by birds.

The Leycesteria, also known as Pheasant Tree or Himalayan Honeysuckle, is a bush that belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is native to Asia and was named after William Leycester, an English magistrate who was an avid botanist. As for its nickname, it is derived from its popularity among pheasants!

The 'Purple Rain' Pheasant Tree is a medium-sized tree with a bushy habit. It has green, rigid, hollow branches which are slightly curved when mature, giving it an attractive appearance, even in winter when it is leafless. It is fast-growing, reaching 2m (6 ft 7 in) tall and about 1.5m (4 ft 11 in) wide when it reaches maturity.

The flowering of this bush occurs in late summer or early autumn. It is covered with small white flowers surrounded by rich and deep purple bracts, giving it a somewhat exotic appearance. The leaves are a beautiful blue-green colour, oval in shape, and long with purple veins, creating a striking contrast. The bush produces shiny burgundy ball-shaped fruits that appear after flowering, usually from August to November. Often, clusters of flowers can be found at the tip of the bush, while the base has berries.

Pheasant Trees can thrive in partial shade or indirect sun and all soil types, preferably fertile and well-drained. It is a robust tree that can resist diseases, pollution, and coastal conditions. Although pruning is not mandatory, it is recommended to do short pruning of the stems in late winter to allow your Leycesteria to come back stronger, as flowers appear on new wood. Please note that the berries may look appetising but should not be eaten, so it's better to leave them to the birds!

The Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain' can be beautifully paired with purple foliage plants, such as the Harlequin Barberry or the Sand Cherry. This plant will look great in a floral hedge, in the centre of a shrub bed, or even as a standalone plant alongside white or light pink shrub roses and Mexican Orange Blossom. You can also grow it in a container, but bring it indoors during winter as it will be more vulnerable than when planted in the ground.