This species from the Himalaya is winter hardy and grows up to 2 meters high. The plant makes beautiful white flowers with purple bracts hanging down. Because of the bracts, they also resemble earrings, and in Dutch the plant is also called ‘Grandmothers earring’. The berries can be red, dark purple or something in between, and are appealing to birds like pheasants. They are also suited for human consumption, and taste like chocolate/caramel-raisins.
Sowing description: Sow superficially in sowing mix and put in the fridge for 4-6 weeks. The soil should stay constantly moist. After these weeks they can germinate at room temperature.
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Scientific name: Leycesteria formosa
Common name: Himalayan honeysuckle / Pheasant berry
Native to: Himalaya
Sowing time: November – June
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -20 degrees Celsius