Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Caprifoliaceae

Genus:

Leycesteria

Species:

Leycesteria formosa

USDA Symbol:

LEFO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

white, purple

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after being cut back or damaged by frost or fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to forest understories, prefers organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light exposure. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI