Flower ID sought

[Forget-me-Not]

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

[digthatchick]

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

[jackie j]

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

[digthatchick]

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

[shirlthegirl43]

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!

[digthatchick]

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

[Forget-me-Not]

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

[digthatchick]

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.

[Lavenderblue]

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

[Two_Sheds]

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

[nick the grief]

So does Sage and it's not poisonous

[digthatchick]

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