HIMALAYAN HONEYSUCKLE VINE Leycesteria formosa

A stunning vine with beautiful large and tassled ruby-red drooping flowers in summer, and later, deep purple/maroon berries in fall and winter (loved by birds)! Stems also have an interesting bamboo-like appearance. The plants are perennial, and will return each year without replanting!

Type: Perennial

Height: Up to 2 meters

Hardiness zones: 7-11

Location: Sun or part shade

Bloom time: Summer, for many weeks.

Seeds per pack: 20

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds can benefit from a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 5-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.