Dry physalis

Dry physalis

for winter

PHYSALIS (Chinese Lantern), a spreading, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, has insignificant creamy bell-shaped flowers in midsummer before inflated, papery 2-inch lanterns emerge which turn from green to beige and then orange-red in autumn.

They are great for flower arrangements and should be cut and then dried for winter decorations.

Plants grow to 2.5ft tall and 3ft across, but spread by suckers and need to be kept in check if you don't have much room. They like full sun in well-drained soil, but tolerate light shade.