Chinese Lantern

(Physalis alkekengi)

Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)

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Summary

Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as Chinese lantern, Japanese-lantern, or winter cherry, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family, native to grasslands, dunes, and open woodlands across Eurasia. It is known for its distinctive, bright orange to red papery husk that encases the fruit, resembling ornate paper lanterns. This species typically grows to 40–60 cm tall and features white flowers with a five-lobed corolla 10–15 mm across. The flowers bloom from July to September, followed by the unique fruit covering which persists into winter, providing visual interest even after the plant has died back.

Physalis alkekengi is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly the showy lantern-like calyces that are often used in dried flower arrangements. It is hardy to below −20 °C (−4 °F) and thrives in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil. While it is a popular ornamental plant in temperate regions, it requires careful management due to its wide-spreading root system that can be invasive, sending up new shoots some distance from the original planting. It is advisable to plant it in a contained area or use root barriers to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

native to grasslands, dunes, and open woodlands across Eurasia

Other Names

Common Names: Bladder Cherry, Chinese Lantern, Japanese-Lantern, Winter Cherry, Gewöhnliche Judenkirsche

Scientific Names: , Physalis alkekengi, Alkekengi officinarum, Physalis alkekengi var. alkekengi, Physalis franchetii var. bunyardii, Physalis sendtneri, Boberella alkekengi, Megista maxima, Physalis alkekengi subsp. anthoxantha, Physalis alkekengi var. anthoxantha

GBIF Accepted Name: Alkekengi officinarum Moench