Water when there is less than an inch (2.5 cm.) of rainfall in a week and spread a 2 to 4 inch (5-10 cm.) layer of mulch on the soil to prevent water evaporation while keeping the roots cool as well.įertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and a balanced general-purpose fertilizer after flowering. How to Care for a Chinese LanternĬaring for Chinese lanterns is easy. The plant needs average, moist but well-drained soil and prefers full sun though it will tolerate light shade. Once transplanted outdoors, Chinese lantern plant care and growth begins with choosing the right site. Have patience with this plant, as it takes as long as a month for seedlings to emerge. They need light in order to germinate, so lay them on top of the soil and place the pot in an area with bright but indirect light and temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees F. Start them indoors in late winter or early spring. In addition to growing Chinese lantern plants from small transplants, many people have success with growing Chinese lantern seeds.Ĭhinese lantern seeds can be a bit fussy to germinate. Chinese lantern is winter hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Growing Chinese lantern plants is similar to growing other members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. While the leaves and unripened fruit are poisonous, many people like to make use of the pods in dried flower arrangements. These papery pods enclose a fruit that is edible though not very tasty. The spring flowers are pretty enough, but the real delight of a Chinese lantern plant is the large, red-orange, inflated seed pod from which the plant gets its common name. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.If you see a resemblance between Chinese lanterns ( Physalis alkekengi) and tomatillos or husk tomatoes, it’s because these closely related plants are all members of the nightshade family. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. This species is not originally from North America.Ĭhinese Lantern is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration Ĭhinese Lantern is recommended for the following landscape applications Ĭhinese Lantern will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall.Ĭhinese Lantern is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. It features abundant showy khaki (brownish-green) capsules from early fall to late winter. Other Names: Winter Cherry, Japanese Lantern, Ground CherryĬhinese or Japanese lanterns are grown primarily for their unique orange-red calyx that resemble illuminated lanterns great for fall floral arrangements when cut and dried be careful, because this plant gets aroundĬhinese Lantern features unusual nodding orange flowers dangling from the stems from late summer to early fall.
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