This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  Hollow, suckering stems form a leafy thicket, which throughout summer and into autumn, is crowned with colourful flower clusters. From a distance, the blooms appear to be a rich claret-purple, but up close, it's easier to see that they're actually white - but each one is encased by richly coloured bracts. The flowers are not particularly long-lasting (and they're soon replaced by reddish purple berries), but the bracts will last for ages - offering several months of colour and interest. Leycesteria is a beautiful shrub, that makes a great addition to the mixed border or woodland edge.
  
  
• Garden care: Apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant in autumn, and protect from cold, drying winds. Trim back lanky stems to buds immediately after flowering, or cut back to a low, permanent framework as the buds beging to swell in spring.