Nicandra physalodes

Shoo-fly Plant
Nicandra physaloides
Type: Annual
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Growing vigorously from seed, this plant will grow to 3ft (90cm) tall by 2ft (60cm) in a single season. The leaves are medium green, toothed and slightly ruffly along the edges, and can grow as long as 8in (20cm). Funnel-shaped flowers, which are lavender blue with a white center, form on short stems near the branch tips. These are sometimes upward-pointing, but more often nodding. They’re short lived, but the blooming period is spread out, so there are flowers throughout the summer, just not in profusion. After the flowers wither, Chinese-lantern shaped seed pods that are green and oily black in color form, which adds to the visual interest (see top photo, look closely). These seeds are how the plant spreads, so remove them to prevent this popping up unexpectedly.

Fun Fact: Nicandra, or more specifically its sap, is thought to have insect repellent qualities, particularly effective with white flies. Hence the common name.

Cheers,

John