Purple ground cherry (Quincula lobata) is not something you see in gardens or catalogs very often. It is a plant that is considered a weed by some since it is said to grow on roadsides or other neglected places. I haven't seen that myself. This one has been growing for the past few years in my yard, and has expanded a little every year. It grows only a few inches tall. The flowers are less than an inch across and open only when the day starts to heat up. Today, they were just opening at 11:00am.
The plants die down for the winter, so that no part of the plant is left above ground. It is also extremely drought tolerant. My plant hitchhiked along with an agave that I transplanted from a friend's yard, and has been so charming that I have let it be. After all, it doesn't need water, is colorful for the hottest days of the year, is long blooming, the bunnies don't eat it, it is reliable. What's not to like?
This is a great plant. Looks a bit ugly in winter, but a good prune always brings it back in Spring!
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