apple of Peru

Also known as: apple of Sodom; Peruvian bluebell; shoo-fly

An annual with many, branched, erect, dark coloured stems to 1.2m and toothed, ovate green leaves to 10cm long, rather thin in texture. Short stalks produce short-lived, solitary pale blue or white flowers, opening in the middle of the day from June to October. Round, green-brown fruits are encased in green or black calcyes, similar to Chinese Lanterns, and can be dried for winter decorations

Scientific classification

Species: apple of Peru (Nicandra physalodes)
Genus: Nicandra
Family: Solanaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Annual Biennial
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

apple of Peru pictures

Distribution of apple of Peru

Distribution map

Peru

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of apple of Peru

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apple of Peru care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

No pruning required; ideal for dried flower arranging

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 15°C (59°F) in early spring or in situ in mid-spring; self-seeds freely and has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked. See shoo-fly plant for further advice

Growing

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Flowers are short-lived but the fruit is encased in ornamental lantern-like calyces and can be dried for winter decorations. See shoo-fly plant for further advice

More growing and care information →