Perennial : Chinese Lantern
4 plants @ £4.99
Catalogue Code: 60165
Despatch: March 2010
5 bareroot plants @ £5.99
Catalogue Code: 60049
Despatch: March 2010
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Hardy Perennial
Ideal For:
Border, Containers, Dried Flower, Ornamental Fruit
Flowers:
July, August
Physalis alkekengi.
Grown for the intriguing papery lanterns which enclose its bright orange autumn fruits. The stems of vibrant lanterns can be cut for dried flower arrangements, or left on the plant where they add winter interest; slowly becoming ornate skeletons. This undemanding perennial is easy to grow and will thrive in most situations. Height: 75cm (30”). Spread: 90cm (36”). Bareroot plants supplied.
How to Grow
Chinese Lantern
Pot up bareroots at the earliest opportunity following delivery. Plant them so that the crown of the plant is just a few cm below soil level and grow on in a cool frost free position.
When plants are fully rooted into their pots, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days and transplant into borders.
Grow Chinese lantern plants in any moist, well drained soil, in full sun or semi shade.
Physalis may become invasive. To restrict their spread, try growing Chinese lanterns in patio containers in loam based compost such as John Innes No.2.
Aftercare
Feed and water regularly until plants are fully established.
In spring, remove old stems and apply a mulch of well rotted manure to the base of the plant.
Lift and divide overcrowded clumps to maintain their vigour.
Caution:
All parts, except the fully ripened fruit, are harmful if eaten. Irritant to skin.
