Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) (Leycesteria formosa) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Himalaya and south-west China. It grows 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) tall and 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya and south-west China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India |
| Invasive in | New Zealand, south-eastern Australia, Hawaii: check local rules before planting |
Is Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: unripe berries
Not considered dangerous: the ripe berries are eaten by birds and are said to be edible, though tastes vary; unripe ones are bitter.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry)
- How far apart should I plant Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft).
- Does Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) flower?
- From about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Not considered dangerous: the ripe berries are eaten by birds and are said to be edible, though tastes vary; unripe ones are bitter.
- What grows well with Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Himalayan honeysuckle (pheasant berry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Hollow, bamboo-like green canes with hanging chains of white flowers under claret bracts all summer, then purple-black berries that pheasants and other birds love. Cut stems to the ground each spring. Birds spread the seed, so it has become a weed of forest edges in New Zealand and Australia.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
- Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis