Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi,

I'm trying to identify two flowers I bought in spring at a local sale. They were labelled at the time and the name began with P and was a long one!?

They are purple and actually resemble small trees at about thigh height now. The 'flowers' are more like purple seed heads, almost like chinese lanterns with 4 maybe 5 sides with a thick curved edge. Now they've withered, dried out, gone rusty brown and are getting very thin cases but inside is a green ball off seeds.

I like them and believe they'll self seed for next year if left but wonder what are they and can I transport these seeds elsewhere in the garden. Is there anything else I should know about them. I live in Northern Scotland if that makes any difference to their needs or origin etc.

Thanks
FMN

Hi Forget - me - not
The flower you are describing is Nicandra Physalodes - The Shoofly or Apple of Peru
I have hundreds in my garden, all self seeded from a plant bought for me as a fathers day pressie by my daughter. I love them, so do the bumble bees. They self seed easily but I believe the seed pods are very poisonous, so take care. I took these pics this morning.
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...1&d=1223628789http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...1&d=1223631076

Attached Thumbnails

     

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Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not. Remember, that what you have now, was once among the things you only hoped for.

They are beautiful how do I get some can you buy seed packets.

Hi Jackie
As far as I'm aware you cannot buy seeds for these. If you p.m. me with an address I will send you some seed pods when they are ready (about 4/5 weeks)
Robin

__________________
Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not. Remember, that what you have now, was once among the things you only hoped for.

I tried growing these this year but no joy. I think the seed was maybe a bit old. Mind you, it could just have been my year of no gardening luck!

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Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk

Shirley
If you want some seed pods let me know and I'll send you some.

__________________
Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not. Remember, that what you have now, was once among the things you only hoped for.

Hi,

Wow thanks, that's the one!!!! They're lovely aren't they? Can I just ask, when will I know that they are ready? Is it just the seed pod inside opening? Can I help them at all. I'm really pleased about the bees which is something I noticed up here too. I'm doing a bee keeping course in Jan and want to do whatever I can, to help the bees.

Thanks
FMN

Hi Beth
Sorry this is a bit late, yes just let the seed pods dry out (they are full of little black seeds) I scattered mine all around the garden to see where the liked best. It appears they like dry or well drained soil and full sun, a bit like nasturtiums. Give hands a good wash after opening seed pods as the are poisonous.

__________________
Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not. Remember, that what you have now, was once among the things you only hoped for.

oh we have this growing on our allotment, i wondered what it was, its very pretty.

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We plant the seed, nature grows the seed, we eat the seed - Neil, The Young Ones

http://countersthorpeallotment.blogspot.com/
Updated 8 June 2008

Shoofly is supposed to keep nasty bugs out of the greenhouse.

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

So does Sage and it's not poisonous

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/

Shoofly does not really detract flies - the name derives from a practice of mixing the leaves and seed pods (crushed) with milk - the flies would feed on this and then die!!??
I suppose any other member of the nightshade family would do this

__________________
Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not. Remember, that what you have now, was once among the things you only hoped for.