About
A lax, branching, herbaceous perennial with soft, hairy leaves and small, yellow flowers with chocolate-brown centres in mid- to late summer. These are followed by edible, orange berries. each enclosed in a papery, lantern-shaped husk.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth America
Care notes
CultivationSow seed indoors in early spring. Grow on in a cool greenhouse, or outdoors in milder areas once all risk of frost has passed. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position and support for the lax branches
PruningCut down to ground level after harvesting the fruit
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally problem free
Disease resistanceGenerally problem free