Himalayan Honeysuckle (AKA Pheasant Berry)

Himalayan Honeysuckle (LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA)

1 Healthy plant in a 2-litre pot packed in plastic-free packing. An ornamental edible that feeds wildlife and adds intrigue to any garden.

Perennial shrub | 1.5–2.5m (5–8ft) | Full sun to partial shade | Edible berries & wildlife habitat

Pheasant Berry, also known as Himalayan honeysuckle, is a striking perennial shrub with elegant, arching stems and pendulous flowers that give way to clusters of deep dark purple berries. Its tiered maroon bracts and tubular white blooms provide visual drama from midsummer into autumn, making it a favourite in both ornamental and edible landscapes.

The ripe berries are sweet and described as a burnt-caramel flavour – loved by pheasants (hence the name), blackbirds, and gardeners with adventurous palates. Though not widely known as a food plant, the fruits can be enjoyed fresh, used in preserves and sauces with a dark, rich twist, or make a fantastic kombucha!

In a permaculture or wildlife-friendly garden, Pheasant Berry is invaluable. It offers shelter and forage for birds and pollinators, thrives in a range of conditions, and grows well even in poor soils. Low-maintenance and fast-growing, it’s a great choice for informal hedges, forest gardens, or as a back-of-border plant that delivers both beauty and bounty. Great potential for syntropic systems too as a fast-growing biomass plant.