Mystery plant
Hilltoppers
Posts: 20
just been watching Gardeners World on catch up and wonder if the plant in the photograph is Himalayan Balsam? Thanks for your help
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Hilltoppers
Posts: 20
Hilltoppers
Posts: 20
Hilltoppers
Posts: 20
Posts
Hilltoppers
Indeed it is !
PS
Indeed it isn't ; I meant Himalayan Honeysuckle !!
NO. pic is Himalayan honeysuckle.....Leycesteria Formosa.
Thank you. Is this one to keep? Watching the programme, Himalayan Balsam is very invasive, but don't know about this one? We didn't plant it here, it was moved from a pot that it had outgrown - this having been left by the previous owner. The bees seem to like it so it would be nice to keep it but not if it is going to take over!
It can spread if not controlled but so can many lovely garden plants. Cut it back when it gets too big and watch for seedlings spread by birds. Otherwise it can be a useful shrub.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hilltoppers.....cut it back to 6-10 inches in the spring.It is in not invasive like the Balsam with it's explosive seeds.
you will very likely get seedlings (easily pulled out) courtesy of the birds who love the berries.
That's most helpful. I want to keep it so will definitely keep on top of the pruning side of things come the Spring. Thanks again for all your advice.