LEYCESTERIA F. GOLDEN LANTERN

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Leycesteria formosa ‘Golden Lanterns’

• Common Name: Himalayan Honeysuckle ‘Golden Lanterns’

• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy habit reaching 1.5–2 m tall and about 1–1.5 m wide, forming a rounded, multi-stemmed structure.

• Foliage: Striking golden-yellow young leaves that mature to lime-green, providing vibrant foliage contrast throughout the growing season.

• Flowers: Pendulous clusters of white flowers, surrounded by deep purple-red bracts, appear in mid to late summer.

• Fruit: Followed by glossy purple-black berries in autumn, highly attractive to birds.

• Seasonal Interest: Golden foliage in spring, colourful flowers in summer, and berries in autumn for a three-season display.

• Garden Uses: Works well as a specimen plant, in mixed shrub borders, wildlife gardens, and informal hedging. Its vibrant foliage brightens shady corners.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies; berries are a food source for birds.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens; may need light protection in very cold or exposed areas.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Performs best in full sun to partial shade; sun enhances foliage colour while partial shade prevents scorching in very hot locations.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist but well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including loam, clay, and sandy soils.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Benefits from consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn when soil is warm and moist to encourage root establishment.

• Spacing: Allow 1–1.5 m between plants for proper air circulation and to accommodate mature spread.

• Shelter Needs: In colder areas, choose a sheltered location to avoid frost damage to young shoots.

• Companion Planting: Combines well with contrasting foliage plants such as purple-leaved heucheras, green-leaved fuchsias, and evergreen shrubs.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots using good-quality multi-purpose compost with added grit for drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, especially in the first two years after planting.

  • Water deeply during prolonged dry weather.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage strong growth and vibrant foliage.

  • Mulch with organic matter annually to enrich the soil and retain moisture.

• Pruning:

  • Cut back old stems to the base in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous shoots.

  • Remove any dead or weak growth throughout the year to maintain shape.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm layer of compost, bark chips, or well-rotted manure in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally free from major pests and diseases, though young foliage may be susceptible to slug damage.

• Winter Care: Hardy, but in colder climates mulch around the base in late autumn to protect roots.

• Weed Control: Keep the base weed-free to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance with proper pruning and feeding, offering many years of garden interest.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.