Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant
Physalis alkekengi
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe, Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Known for its bright orange-red lantern-like husks that enclose a small berry, often seen in gardens. The plant is often used for decorative purposes due to its striking fruiting bodies and foliage.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and roots in 4–6 weeks.
- Plant in full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
- Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune dead stems in late winter to encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Use a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote vibrant flowering and healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead growth
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
- Don’t disturb roots excessively when dividing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant questions
What zones can Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant grow in?
Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant deer resistant?
Yes — Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant bloom?
Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant need full sun?
Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Chinese lantern Winter cherry Lantern plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
