Chinese Lantern
Physalis franchetii
$18.00
Chinese 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 around
Features and Growing Tips
Note: Each live plant is unique and may differ from the photo while maintaining its beauty. Plants come in a plastic pot; other items in images are not included.
Landscape Qualities
Chinese Lantern is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden | but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
Ornamental Qualities
Chinese Lantern features unusual nodding orange flowers with white eyes dangling from the stems from late summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It features abundant showy khaki (brownish-green) capsules from early fall to late winter. Its oval leaves are green in color. As an added bonus | the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall.
Planting and Growing
Chinese Lantern will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity | with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a fast rate | and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial | this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter | and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions | but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.
Plant Facts
Prefers full sun to shade
Keep moisture level dry to moist
Mature Size 24"Hx24"W
Cutflower Favorite
Flowers are orange
Flowers from late summer to early fall
Fall color orange
Zone 3a
Likes well drained soil