Leycesteria formosa 'Purple Rain'

Description:

This is a new and improved for of Leycesteria which produces a greater abundance of its large pendulous cluster of rich burgundy flower bracts in late summer. The white flowers and later plump purple berries turning black also provide autumn interest. Arching habit and glaucous blue green stems also provide winter interest.

Climate/Position: Full sun or dappled shade.

Height/Spread: 2.5 metres x 2 metres

Soil Requirements: Fertile soil which should be free draining as Leycesteria dislike wet soils.

Pruning: Old flowering shoots may be cut to ground level in spring. This controls the size of the plant and removes older damaged shoots. It also means that the new shoots provide good stem colour in the winter.