Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns'

A beautiful cultivar, Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' has arching stems covered with soft-golden leaves and drooping, claret and white flowers in late summer. These flowers are followed by dark purplish-black berries in autumn, popular with wildlife in particular pheasants.

A superb garden plant, ideal for brightening up a semi-shaded area and excellent as part of a low maintenance border or for planting in a woodland garden. Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' can be pruned hard if required for growing in a garden with limited space.

• Position: Full sun or light, dappled shade.
• Soil: Well drained, fertile soil. Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' dislikes very wet soils with frequent standing water.
• Hardiness: Reasonably hardy. Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' can suffer from some die-back after severe cold weather.
• Flowering Period: June - September.
• Flower Colour: Claret red and white.
• Rate of Growth: Moderate.
• Habit: Medium sized, branching shrub with arching stems if left unpruned.
  • Height: up to 2.5 m (8 ft).
  • Spread: 2 m (6 ft).

• Notes: Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lanterns' can be pruned hard in early spring to reduce the end size and encourage new growth. It will have a better shape if sheltered from strong winds.