Golden Lanterns

Leycestria formosa ‘Golden Lanterns’

This stunning edible ornamental is invaluable as a strong upright accent in any mixed border or hedgerow. The golden/lime foliage pops in contrast with darker leaves, and its semi-evergreen nature makes it fascinating even during the cold winter months. Native to the lower altitudes in Tibet, this shrub is also called chocolate berry, due to the mild bitter chocolate/raisin flavor of its dusky fruit. Golden Lanterns has vivid, golden, heart-shaped leaves, with reddish new growth and pendulous white and burgundy-colored flowers. In the South it’s a beautiful year-round upright shrub to 6′ tall, but in the north it dies back to the ground each winter and re-sprouts. In late summer and early fall it produces dozens of unique dangling clusters of rosy berries that turn a plummy purple when ripe.

Exceptionally disease-resistant and carefree; it likes well-drained soil and attracts butterflies and bees! USDA Zones 6-10