Nicandra physalodes
By Scotsgran
27 May, 2010
8 likes
We used to go to a rally at Elvaston Castle where I used to buy these from the supporters of the neonatal unit at the local maternity hospital. The chap who grew them could never remember the name and so I was none the wiser. The flowers turn in to balloons such as those found on physallis but they are blue instead of orange. They have a little round fruit inside packed with seeds. Last year I found some self seeded plants and was thrilled to find them survive the winter so far north. I was looking on the internet for something and found the name of these very beautiful wild flowers which were described as being a bit of an invasive weed. How I laughed. The phone rang and I did not get the name of the site but I am hoping they will reappear again this year. Yes, I did collect seed but they have disappeared in to my safe place. If only I could remember where. They grow in to bushes about 3' tall and are covered in flowers over a long period.
Comments on this photo
very pretty !!
27 May, 2010
looks like a great plant.
29 May, 2010
It is an enchanting colour and the flowers are up to 2" across.
29 May, 2010
And I see I have a couple coming up quite strongly.
30 Jun, 2010
This is a lovely photo it's almost like a painting Gorgeous.
30 Jun, 2010
I went trawling in the internet and have found another photo of Nicandra which I have copied to show the seed pods. They do allow you to share the photo as long as you give them credit for it. See photo 147.
1 Jul, 2010
I've never seen anything like this. Lovely!
12 Jul, 2010
"Wow", thanks for showing this plant, it is the first picture I have seen of it other than my own, (check out my pictures) My plant started from a seed that survived composting in some orchid compost last year,and I grew one plant from it in a pot and gathered the seeds to be sown this year. Now I have twenty plants spread throughout the garden. I discovered like you that it is an invasive plant so when every flower dies I snip off and put in the garden rubbish bin. I will save one pod of seed for next year.
Thanks for the comment on my streps.
13 Jul, 2010
I have had a look at yours Tanny. It is lovely. I'm very pleased with mine. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Nicandra+physaloides has some fascinating info on it including the fact that the seed can survive in a dormant state for decades.
13 Jul, 2010
We were at Inverewe Garden on the west coast of Scotland on Monday. Growing in their walled Garden was two rows of this plant. I could not find anyone to tell me why they were growing it. I suspect it is to be dried for the lanterns.
1 Sep, 2010
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This photo is of "Nicandra physalodes" in Scotsgran's garden
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Delightful
27 May, 2010