Physalis peruviana

Plant container plants in a sunny or partially shaded position in any well drained soil. To prevent them from becoming invasive try cutting a slit trench around the crown of the plant with a spade each autumn.

To check the spread of underground stems cut the area round the crown of the plant with a spade each autumn. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring. Using a fork dig up plant, try to keep the root ball as complete as possible. Split the root ball at the centre with a sharp knife or a spade. Replant the plants to the same depth as the original and keep well watered until established.

Tiny, creamy-white flowers from mid-summer followed by bright orange-scarlet berries enclosed by papery, red lanterns. Chinese lanterns are perfect for providing autumn interest in well-drained areas of the garden. The papery lanterns make wonderful dried flower arrangements.