Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Leycesteria formosa is a robust and easily grown shrub native to China and Tibet, which attracts a wealth of wildlife. It's an extremely handsome shrub with a long season of interest, bearing shapely leaves, trailing white and claret flowers from mid- to late summer, followed by reddish purple berries in autumn. The flowers are a magnet for bees and the berries attract many species of bird, including blackbird and pheasant.

Grow Leycesteria formosa in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can be pruned back hard if desired.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Leycesteria and wildlife

Leycesteria is known for attracting bees and birds. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Leycesteria poisonous?

Leycesteria has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement