Himalayan Honeysuckle

Féithleann álainn
Latin name: Leycesteria formosa

The Himalayan honeysuckle is only one of about 180 different species of honeysuckle. In general, honeysuckle is an arching shrub that gets entangled with other plants growing along hedgerows or garden walls.

As you may have guessed, the Himalayan honeysuckle is native to the Himalayas! However, there is a lot growing in Ireland along hedgerows, and many people plant them in their gardens. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to about two metres in height. After about four years, the stems of the Himalayan honeysuckle collapse and new stems begin to sprout.

Himalayan honeysuckle

Irish name: Féithleann álainn Latin name: Leycesteria formosa

©Jenny Seawright

Himalayan honeysuckle
©Jenny Seawright

Himalayan honeysuckle

Irish name: Féithleann álainn Latin name: Leycesteria formosa

©Jenny Seawright

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Have you ever heard of a plant called ‘pheasant berry’?

This is another name for the Himalayan honeysuckle as it is sometimes grown as ground-cover for pheasants. Its bushy thickets provide lots of protection when these birds are nesting.

If there is honeysuckle growing in your garden, you’re in for a treat from July to September. The graceful pendant of funnel-shaped, white flowers emerge, surrounded by deep purple-red bracts.

Bracts are a type of leaf that are brightly coloured to attract bees and insects to help in pollination. They look very like the petals of a flower.

The oval, pointy leaves of the Himalayan honeysuckle grow opposite each other, and the stems are soft and hallow. They get quite woody with age, but are great for making whistles!

This plant attracts all different types of wildlife. The humming birds love the scent of the delicate flowers, while birds and other animals feast on the soft purple berries that ripen in the autumn. These animals help to disperse the seeds that are inside the berries.

Remember, the berries may look very juicy but they are inedible to humans!