Whats wrong with my chinese lanterns?

Up until now, my chinese lanters I'd grown from seed (physalis franchetii) have been doing very well in a semi-shaded area, but a few weeks ago they have both taken a turn for the worse. I've included pictures - any idea what the problem could be and what I should do?

 

Hi Acatha, looks as though the slugs have had a munch! They are pretty vigourous plants once they get going so hopefully they'll recover and do well next year. In the garden, you sometimes have to dig around the clumps to stop them spreading too much. I've never grown them in a container, but they like well drained soil and full sun, but should be OK in light shade. They obviously haven't made seed pods this year but if you get them through the winter they'll flower next summer and look lovely next winter. It doesn't really matter about the foliage for this year, chop them back next Spring if they look tatty and they'll grow away well if the slugs haven't eaten them up!

 

Hi they look about right for this time of year , its what most perennial plants are doing at this time of year closing down for the winter , yes the slugs have had a nibble as well
Dont worry should re-appear next spring , feed with tomato food over the summer months it will help produce the seed pods

Spruce