Forum home› Plants

Leycesteria Formosa Golden lanterns - taking cuttings

ScraggiesueScraggiesue Posts: 11
in Plants
I am moving soon and have a lovely Leycesteria in my garden. I recently tried taking some cuttings but it wasn't successful (maybe too early?) Can anyone help give me some advice please as to when, and how I should take cuttings from this plant, thanks Sue 

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,065
    edited September 2019
    My mum had a large one of these; I didn't take any, but just looking at it I would have thought the easiest way would be to remove some rooted suckers or shoots from the base of the plant and pot them on.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,852
    The RHS site seems to think they do best form softwood cuttings which are taken in spring or early summer - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10061/Leycesteria-formosa/Details 

    I would try again if you can find some unripe shoots and also try some in water and also try some hardwood cuttings in gritty compost.  Take the pots of cuttings with you and keep them sheltered and shaded from hot sun and cross your fingers.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • ScraggiesueScraggiesue Posts: 11
    Thank you for your replies and help, I will implement the suggestions offered and have another try. The plant is currently flowering, will this make a difference? 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,852
    Try and find non-flowering shoots or else remove the flowers to concentrate energy where you want it.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • jaffacakesjaffacakes Posts: 429
    I took some cutting from mine around June and they are now well rooted. It's a lovely shrub. I just put them in a pot of compost and covered with polythene bag and elastic band for a few weeks. It's probably too late now though. You could try growing from seed maybe?
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,505
    edited September 2019
    Have a look in soil around the plant. You might spot some self seeded seedlings. 
    I'm forever weeding them out so you might be lucky and save yourself a job😊
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • ScraggiesueScraggiesue Posts: 11
    Thank you all, I have managed to get some of the suckers from stems at the base of the plant and by pulling these up some roots had developed, so hopefully this will be successful! 
  • annewantsannewants Posts: 1
    Can I train my Leycestreia to climb, I'd like to put it in a large pot to grow up a South facing wall? 
Sign In or Register to comment.