Chinese Lanterns

(Physalis alkekengi) This odd plant produces small indistinct flowers followed by round fruits encased in papery green husks that ripen to a Halloween-bright orange. These “lanterns” dry perfectly, losing no color for years. Nice in fresh bouquets and highly unusual in the garden border. Lanterns produced from mid-summer until frost. Spread by runners. Most/full sun - 1-2 feet . Seeds should be planted in warm conditions. Perennial (spread by runners) - 20+ seeds.