Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii or Chinese Lantern is a familiar herbaceous perennial that brings good cheer to the garden in the autumn with its bright orange-red calyxs. Its large heart-shaped foliage is also extremely attractive. It is a vigourous plant and spreads relatively rapidly through its undergound stolons so an out-of-the-way spot is often best and regular division with the spade is a good idea if you want to keep its size in check.

Vigourous new Spring growth now commencing.