Leycesteria Formosa Purple Rain - Himalayan Honeysuckle - Plant in 5 L Pot

Leycesteria are native to the Himalayas and were originally introduced into the Uk around 1880. This is one of the few large shrubs to flower into autumn. A medium to large deciduous shrub with attractive foliage on sturdy, hollow stems. Flowers are white with large, striking claret red bracts in drooping terminal racemes. If that were not enough, the flowers are replaced by big glossy reddish purple berries that are very attractive to Pheasants and other birds! A striking plant that will attain its best when given plenty of room. The variety Purple Rain is a significant improvement on the original species with a greater abundance of larger flowers. Easy to grow on most fertile, moist soils in a full sun or light shade location. In winter protect from harsh conditions by applying a thick layer of mulch to the base of the plant. Can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or container. When growing in a pot or other container. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade and become too packed and choke the roots.