Leycesteria Formosa ‘Gold Leaf’ - Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa ‘Gold Leaf’) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Shrub

Leycesteria Formosa ‘Gold Leaf’ - Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa ‘Gold Leaf’) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Shrub

Perennial

Leycesteria formosa ‘Gold Leaf’, commonly known as Gold Leaf Himalayan Honeysuckle, is a striking perennial shrub known for its vibrant yellow foliage and unique purple flower clusters. It produces creamy-white, tubular flowers with deep purple bracts that resemble pendulous, ornamental clusters. As the plant matures, it forms a graceful, arching habit, creating an eye-catching focal point in gardens. In addition to its beauty, it attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.

Growing Instructions:

Type: Deciduous Shrub

Growth Habit: Upright, arching branches

Height & Spread: 4–6 ft tall and widE

📍 Site Selection

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

• Note: Best foliage color develops in full sun.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay and loam.

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic is ideal (6.0–7.0).

🌱 Planting Instructions

1. Timing:

• Plant in spring or fall when the soil is workable and temperatures are moderate.

2. Spacing:

• Space 4–6 feet apart to allow room for growth and airflow.

3. Planting Steps:

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.

• Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

• Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

• Water thoroughly after planting.

💧 Watering

• Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first growing season (first year).

• Ongoing Care:

• Drought-tolerant once established, but prefers consistent moisture.

• Water during dry spells for best flowering and foliage.

🌸 Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.

• Mulch with compost or well-rotted manure to retain moisture and enrich soil.

✂️ Pruning

• Prune in late winter to early spring to remove dead or weak stems.

• Cut back to strong buds to shape and encourage bushier growth.

• Hard pruning can rejuvenate older shrubs.

🐝 Wildlife & Companion Benefits

• Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Berries are attractive to birds in late summer.

• Makes a striking ornamental with golden foliage and contrasting purple bracts and berries.

⚠️ Care Tips

• Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones (Zone 6).

• Mulch around the base in late fall to insulate roots.

• May self-seed lightly in favorable conditions but is not invasive.

Stratification:

No special stratification is required for Leycesteria formosa. However, if starting from seeds, a cold stratification period of 30 days at 35–40°F (1–4°C) can help with germination, though it is not always necessary. For best results, plant seeds in a well-drained potting mix and keep warm until germination, followed by transplanting when seedlings are large enough.

Seed Count: 25