About
Tiny, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers are produced in summer; these are followed by large, inflated, papery orange 'lanterns' (calyces), which contain a small berry. A vigorous, spreading, rhizomatous perennial to 1m tall, with upright stems bearing broadly ovate leaves. The stems can be cut for use in floral arrangements.
About the genus
Physalis can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in the leaf axils, followed by fleshy, sometimes edible, yellow, red or purple berries, enclosed in enlarged, often colourful, calyces
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, except ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. 51157,viola-lisa-cawthorne-c,Viola 'Lisa Cawthorne' (C),,A delicate perennial viola
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillar damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free