A Full Story on Physalis Lantern aka the Chinese Lantern

The true draw is the distinctive lanterns, which are seed pods that turn a vibrant pumpkin orange at the end of the growing season in the early fall. The flower and fruit are shielded by the 2-inch-wide papery pod known as a calyx. The leaves and all of the fruits, including the berries and seed pods, are extremely poisonous.

Caring For Chinese Lanterns – Tips For Growing Chinese Lantern Plants

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. 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.

These papery pods enclose a fruit that is edible though not very tasty. While the leaves and unripened fruit are poisonous, many people like to make use of the pods in dried flower arrangements.

Growing Chinese Lantern Plants

Growing Chinese lantern plants is similar to growing other members of the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Chinese lantern is winter hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. In addition to growing Chinese lantern plants from small transplants, many people have success with growing Chinese lantern seeds.

Chinese lantern seeds can be a bit fussy to germinate. Start them indoors in late winter or early spring. 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. (21-24 C.). Have patience with this plant, as it takes as long as a month for seedlings to emerge.

Once transplanted outdoors, Chinese lantern plant care and growth begins with choosing the right site. The plant needs average, moist but well-drained soil and prefers full sun though it will tolerate light shade.

How to Care for a Chinese Lantern

Caring for Chinese lanterns is easy. Keep the soil moist at all times. 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.

Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and a balanced general-purpose fertilizer after flowering.

If the plants become leggy after flowering, you can cut them back to give them a fresh start. Cut the plants back nearly to the ground at the end of the season.

Drying the Pods

Another aspect of Chinese lantern plant care is collecting the pods. Dried Chinese lantern pods make excellent materials for fall floral arrangements and decorations. Cut the stems and remove the leaves but leave the pods in place. Stand the stems upright in a dry, airy location. Once dry, the pods retain their color and shape for years. If you cut along the veins of the pods, they will curl into interesting shapes as they dry.

A Full Story on Physalis Lantern aka the ‘Chinese Lantern’

Looking just like a bright orange Chinese lantern, this plant is definitely one that’ll add extreme uniqueness to your garden given its color and interesting shape.

The Physalis lantern is a very interestingly-shaped perennial that has its origins in Southern Europe, and South and North-East Asia. What captivates everyone’s attention is the rare red-orange lantern shape, which is attributed to the name “Chinese lantern“, having an identical form to one.

Everything There Is to Know About the Physalis Lantern

The nightshade family plant known as Physalis alkekengi, or “Chinese lantern“, is well-known for its brilliant red fruit husks that gradually transform into intricate and delicate skeleton casings as the season goes on.

Fact is, that the Physalis lantern is a beautiful, unique plant to add to your garden to give it more texture, and color, and to get your guests impressed. The bad news is that the unripe fruit of Physalis lantern is extremely poisonous, something to take into consideration if you plan on having these perennials at home.

What Is a Physalis Lantern Otherwise Known as Chinese Lantern?

Chinese lantern is the most often used name for Physalis alkekengi, despite the fact that other common names include devil’s berry, winter cherry, strawberry-and-tomato, and more. Because it accurately portrays the delicate, paper-thin casings that enclose the plant’s fruit, the term has persisted.

It’s not difficult to see a string of these fruit-themed fairy lights in the background of a painting or photo of a Chinese street scene, with the fruit replaced by a tiny light bulb.

The Chinese Lantern Is a Hardy Perennial

Physalis lantern is a hardy perennial that may be planted in the ground or in containers and offers a bright fall interest. It has medium-sized, 3-inch-long leaves that clump together. But the most impressive part of this perennial has to do with its shape and color.

The true draw is the distinctive lanterns, which are seed pods that turn a vibrant pumpkin orange at the end of the growing season in the early fall. The flower and fruit are shielded by the 2-inch-wide papery pod known as a calyx. The leaves and all of the fruits, including the berries and seed pods, are extremely poisonous.

A Very Popular Ornamental Plant

No wonder it has become such a popular ornamental plant throughout the world because its fun shape and color are hard to resist. In Japan, the plant even has its own holiday when Buddhists give offerings in the Asakusa district in Tokyo each July to aid spirits traveling to the afterlife.

Symbolism Behind Physalis Lantern

It is simple to understand why the Chinese lantern has such associations to that between “life and death” because the idea of a fruit safely enclosed within the skeleton remains of the husk that gave rise to it is a lovely visual metaphor.

Physalis lantern has a very special meaning behind it, another reason why people love having this perennial around.

Why Grow Them in Your Garden? Here Are a Few Reasons

You probably won’t need any additional justifications if you’re seeking something eye-catching and captivating for your landscape. But this plant has a lot of qualities that make it a desirable option for any gardener. As mentioned above, Physalis lanterns are very hardy, being able to survive even the most punishing of weather conditions, including temperatures below -20 degrees.

In terms of visual interest, Chinese lanterns have a lot to offer, starting with green color, and later developing into a deep, enticing orange as they ripen. Then, if left alone, the plant material will die away, leaving the skeletal casing.

Are you convinced yet? Chinese lanterns are thrilled and excited to be a part of your garden journey for sure!