PHYSALIS alkekengi var. franchetii 'Gigantea'

Description

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Gigantea'

Height x Spread:  100cm x 90cm

Guaranteed to make you smile and perhaps take you back to your childhood, this form of Chinese Lantern boasts larger than average bold orange paper-like calyces that enclose its scarlet fruits.  Although known for this striking autumnal display that can last into winter, there is also a charm to the small creamy white bell flowers that appear in the leaf axils of the stems in late summer, neatly set off by the fresh green leaves. 

Robust and hardy, this striking perennial is easy to grow in a sunny or partially shaded position and a reasonable to well-drained soil.  With a tendency to spread, it is easy to control by digging out unwanted sections of the plant and its roots in autumn.   The 'lanterns' also dry well for floral arrangements and make an unusual ingredient for Christmas decorations.