Garden Source

The Chinese Lantern, ‘Physalis alkekengi (franchetii)’, has bright orange, lantern-shaped, papery seed cases that will glow in your garden in the late summer. The Chinese Lantern is very popular because of its brilliant color, unique shape, and easy to grow capabilities. This plant is also called the Winter Cherry. The flowers are small, white and star shaped, with calyces that enlarge and change from green to red-orange in the fall. The Chinese Lantern grow well in full sun to light shade and in moist, well drained soils. This plant can be invasive, so plant where it can be controlled or in large containers. Plant in the spring, 1 to 2 weeks before the last frost or in the summer up to 2 months before the first fall frost. The Chinese Lantern is a striking addition to fall/winter decorations, as well as late summer color for borders, beds and containers.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Armeria Formosa Pinkball Thrift, ‘Arneria pseudarmeria ( formosa)’, is like the common Sea Thrift, but bigger and it is a hardy perennial. . The Pinkball Thrift displays 1 to 2 inch round flowers in shades of pink, rose, and red. The Armeria Formosa blooms in the spring for 4 to 8 weeks. In mild climates, they can bloom all year. Even though Armeria does great in coastal climates, it will do wonderfully anywhere. It is a sturdy and dependable plant. The Pinkball Thrift prefers full sun and will do well in average garden soil. The soil must be well drained. They are very tolerant of salty soils. Cut off spent blooms to encourage more blossoms. Plant in early spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the last average frost date, or late summer/early fall at least 2 months before the first fall frost. This Armeria is excellent as mounds in rock gardens and flower borders as well as its specialty, cut flowers.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.