All you need to know about growing Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi), in this Grow Guide.
The Chinese Lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi) is a hardy perennial that bears creamy white flowers in summer, but is mostly grown for its the papery orange lanterns (calyces) that enclose the round berries in autumn. Left on the plant they eventually form a papery skeleton around the red berry within, but if they are cut at their peak, they make excellent dried flowers. To dry them, cut the stems soon as the lanterns have turned orange, remove the leaves, then hang upside down in an airy, dark place for a few weeks to dry.
Chinese lantern spreads via underground stems, in a similar way to mint, and can be invasive if grown in the garden. Like mint, its often grown in pots to check its spread – you could bury the container in your garden soil, or add a barrier around the roots to stop them spreading.
Physalis alkekengi is a member of the nightshade family, and the leaves and unripe fruits are poisonous. Wear gloves when handling.
Chinese lantern plants are a unique variety that make a fiery and exotic addition to any garden. With their distinctive papery seed pods that resemble mini Chinese lanterns, these plants provide unique visual interest and texture. I’m excited to share everything you need to know about growing these unusual beauties yourself.
Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) are perennial plants that belong to the nightshade family along with tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. They are native to Asia but grow well in a wide range of climates.
These plants grow one to two feet tall on upright, somewhat floppy stems. The oval leaves are an attractive fresh green. However, it’s the fruit that makes this plant a showstopper.
In midsummer, Chinese lanterns produce small white bell-shaped flowers. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into round, orange-red seed pods encapsulated in papery husks. These lanterns dangle from the stems, looking like festive lights.
The seed pods and husks persist through fall and winter, taking on a straw-like texture As they dry, the lanterns turn from bright orange to a more muted tan color, but still add plenty of visual distinction
The Unique Appeal of Chinese Lanterns
So what makes Chinese lantern plants so special beyond their looks? Here are some of the top reasons to give them a try
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Long-lasting fruit. The seed pods last for months, extending the plant’s visual appeal. They remain showy even after the rest of the plant dies back.
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Interesting texture. The papery husks have a crinkly, delicate texture that contrasts nicely with flowers and foliage.
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Versatile uses. Fresh lanterns work great in floral arrangements. Dried husks can be used in dried arrangements or craft projects.
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Low maintenance. Chinese lanterns are unfussy plants that can tolerate partial shade and aren’t susceptible to many pests or diseases.
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Self-sowing. Allow a few seed pods to dry on the plant and drop their seeds, and you’ll likely get volunteer seedlings the following year.
How to Grow Chinese Lantern Plants
If you want to experience these plants for yourself, here are some tips for growing Chinese lanterns successfully:
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Sun: Plant in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun per day is best.
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Soil: Chinese lanterns thrive in slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. Amend clay soils with compost.
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Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant seedlings outside after danger of frost. Plants can also be purchased at garden centers in spring.
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Spacing: Allow 18-24 inches between plants. Give them room to spread.
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Water: Water regularly until established. Mature plants have only moderate water needs.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer once or twice during spring growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
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Winter Care: Cut plants back after frost. Mulch in cold climates for extra protection.
Where to Buy Chinese Lantern Plants
You can find Chinese lantern plants at many garden centers and nurseries, often in the perennial section. Here are some top options for ordering them online:
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Spring Hill Nursery – Offers packaged deals like 3 plants for $7.49. Ships at proper planting time for your region.
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Burpee – Sells packs of 5 young plants for $27.95. Ships April through June.
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Etsy – Many Etsy shops sell Chinese lantern seeds, plants, and cuttings. Great way to support small growers.
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Amazon – Carries Chinese lantern seeds, bulbs, and live plants. Mixed quality, so read reviews.
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High Country Gardens – Specializes in plants suited for hot, dry climates like the Southwest. Potted plants ship in spring.
Make sure to plant Chinese lanterns after the danger of frost has passed in your area. If you start with young plants instead of seeds, you’ll get flowers and fruit the first year.
Designing With Chinese Lanterns
The uniqueness of Chinese lanterns makes them perfect for adding intrigue to gardens, flower arrangements, and craft projects. Here are some creative ways to showcase them:
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Plant in groups of 3 or 5 for maximum impact. Allow them to mingle with late-blooming perennials.
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Mix colors by interplanting with blue hydrangea and purple coneflower for a vibrant combination.
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Grow Chinese lanterns near pathways or patios where the dangling lanterns can be admired up close.
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Use fresh lanterns as focal points in floral centerpieces. Combine with roses, sunflowers, and greenery.
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Craft wreaths, garlands, or swags using dried lantern husks mixed with other dried botanicals.
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Add lantern accents to Thanksgiving or fall harvest displays for an organic pop of color.
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Preserve the unique shape of individual husks by spray painting them gold, silver, or white for holiday ornaments.
Enjoying Chinese Lanterns Year After Year
As you can see, Chinese lantern plants are an easy way to give your garden seasonal interest through fall and into winter. Once established, they require minimal care while producing their signature decorative lanterns year after year.
The excellent drying qualities of the papery husks also allow you to enjoy these plants indoors for crafts and arrangements. And if some seed pods are left to drop their seeds, you’re likely to see new volunteer seedlings emerge in spring.
If you crave something a bit different for your garden, Chinese lanterns are a must. Their exotic vibe and long-lasting fruit are sure to spark conversation and delight.
How to grow Chinese lantern plant
Grow Chinese lantern in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Keep the spreading roots in check by growing in a container. For dried flowers, cut the stems when the lanterns have turned orange and leave to dry in a dark, airy place for a few weeks.
Where to grow Chinese lantern plant
Grow in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, or in a container filled with multi-purpose, peat-free compost.
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FAQ
Where is the best place to plant Chinese lanterns?
Chinese lanterns thrive in full sun, so plant them in a south or west-facing area. These plants can also grow in partial afternoon shade, which is beneficial when the climate is hot.
Do Chinese lanterns come back every year?
Either plant seeds or add transplants to the container, and then thin to the strongest one or two plants as they grow. This plant will die back in the containers for winter and then regrow each spring; therefore, it may not be necessary to repot if you’ve started with a large enough container.
Are Chinese lanterns hard to grow?
It’s easy to grow—perhaps too easy. This plant loves to spread by way of rhizomes that form dense mats just beneath the soil surface (think mint) or by releasing seed throughout the garden.
When to plant a Chinese lantern plant?
When to Plant Chinese Lantern Seeds. Sow in the Spring after all threat of frost has passed – if there is a potential of frost, use a cold frame for this variety. In very warm zones, 8-10, Fall planting of Chinese Lanterns is also an option. You can also start them indoors, in late Winter or early Spring.
Is Chinese lantern flower easy to grow?
Chinese lantern flower is easy to grow. In fact, it may be too easy to grow for some. Chinese lantern plant has a distinctive weedy growing habit. Like mint, it spreads quickly by underground stems. It’s hard to contain even if you cut the plant itself down to the ground. To really contain Chinese lantern flower, plant them in a container.
What is a Chinese lantern plant?
According to Gardening Know How’s article about how to care for the Chinese lantern plant, it is a member of the Nightshade family of plants, and it also has a resemblance to husk tomato plants. In the same article, it is said the most distinctive thing about the plant is the seed pod which grows on it.
Where do Chinese lanterns grow?
Abutilons (Abutilon x hybridum) are commonly known as Chinese lanterns, because they have pendulous, lantern-shaped flowers. These beautiful evergreen shrubs grow from 2-3 metres (6-10′) tall, and have attractive, maple-like leaves and a wispy, delicate form. They grow well in most parts of Australia, except for the very cold mountain zones.
What are Chinese lanterns?
Abutilons (Abutilon x hybridum) are commonly known as Chinese lanterns, because they have pendulous, lantern-shaped flowers. These beautiful evergreen shrubs grow from 2-3 metres (6-10′) tall, and have attractive, maple-like leaves and a wispy, delicate form.
Are Chinese lantern plants weedy?
Chinese lantern plant has a distinctive weedy growing habit. Like mint, it spreads quickly by underground stems. It’s hard to contain even if you cut the plant itself down to the ground. To really contain Chinese lantern flower, plant them in a container. Place several seeds in a pot or in the ground (if you dare), in regular garden soil.
Can Chinese lantern plants grow in shade?
The plants can grow in places of partial shade, but as long as they have enough sunlight reaching them then they will grow quite healthily, in a soil which is moist and rich, but not too soggy. Late spring is the best time for the Chinese Lantern plant to be grown in because it will be just after the frost.