Nicandra physalodes
Shoo fly, Apple of Peru
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This annual has large, jaggedly lobed, bright-green leaves. The flower buds are extraordinary, like purple-black lampshades. The flowers are rounded, light-blue or purple bells and simple in their effect. There are brown berries later. This is worth growing for the curiosity value. The popular name shoo-fly comes from the suggestion that its sap kills any insects that feed on it and may even discourage whitefly in a greenhouse.
- Flower colour
- Black, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.