If you haven’t heard of Chinese lantern flower, you’re not alone. Also known as Bladder, Winter, or Ground cherry, this incognito herbaceous plant’s name can be confusing. But it’s as lovely as it is mysterious. Its papery orange blooms look like little lanterns set against vivid green foliage. The contrast is stunning, and the “lanterns” are fascinating!
Within the pretty lanterns lies a sweet surprise. A small, round fruit similar to a berry is tucked neatly inside. The fruits have been used by the Chinese for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, and it’s entirely possible that your very own ancestor might have baked the fruit from a Chinese paper lantern into a pie. Aside from being pretty and edible, Chinese lantern plant dries beautifully for a pretty, natural fall arrangement for decoration.
Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi) is a perennial plant from Europe and Asia that’s hardy down to U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 6. However, Chinese lantern plant has occasionally shed its tropical preferences and headed into some of the colder, northern zones, too. Chinese lantern is worth trying to grow in containers throughout the U.S. Just move a container full of Chinese lantern indoors before a freeze.
HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR CHINESE LANTERN FLOWER
Chinese lantern will grow well in any average soil, provided it is well-drained and evenly moist. The biggest challenge is keeping the plant in check as it will spread aggressively if you don’t keep an eye on it.
Light
Chinese lantern plants grow best in full sun but tolerate part sun conditions. But in warm climates, the plant is best grown in part shade.
Soil
Chinese lanterns prefer average, well-draining soil that is consistently moist. Rich soils may cause the plant to spread faster than you want, so there are some advantages to growing it in more meager soil.
Water
When young, Chinese lanterns require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once mature, they are somewhat tolerant of drought, though flower and pod production are better with a consistent level of soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant can tolerate cooler temperatures, but any frost will cause it to die back for the winter. It doesn’t have any humidity requirements. The seeds will germinate when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Feed in the spring after new growth appears with a light application of balanced fertilizer—unless the plants have proved too aggressive, in which case you can withhold feeding. If using granular fertilizer, make sure to keep it away from the plant’s crown and foliage. Too much fertilizer can stimulate fast growth rates, which may encourage root rot as well as uncontrolled spreading.