Nicandra physalodes

Also Known As

Nicandra physaloides
Apple of Peru
Shoo Fly
Shoofly

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 12"-48"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

1-11

Nicandra physalodes plant details

Nicandra physalodes is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nicandra physalodes

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: solanaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 48 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, dried-arrangements, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nicandra physalodes

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shoofly plants are supposed to be bad news for insects, especially whiteflies, but they would be ever so much more popular then, don’t you think? Attractive, bell-shaped flowers are bright purple to lavender with a white throat and open at midday. They are produced on well-branched stems. Most interesting are the developing fruits shaped like either the headdress on Ming the Merciless’ daughter in Flash Gordon, or the shoulder pads on a medieval Japanese knight. They are excellent as a dried flower. Gets to 3-5’.