Chinese lantern
Also known as: alkegengi; bladder cherry; bladder herb; Chinese lantern plant; devil's berry; devil's bladder; Japanese lantern; red nightshade; red winter cherry; strawberry tomato; strawberry-and-tomato; winter cherry
P. alkekengi is a vigorous herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, with ovate leaves and nodding creamy-yellow bell-shaped flowers 2cm wide, followed by inflated, lantern-like deep orange calyces 5cm long enclosing red berries
Scientific classification
- Species
- Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
- Genus
- Physalis
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Harmful if eaten, except ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 0.5-1 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Chinese lantern pictures
Distribution of Chinese lantern
Distribution map
Europe, Asia
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten, except ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Quick identification of Chinese lantern
Information to be completed
Chinese lantern care guide
- Even moisture throughout flowering and fruit set, avoid sharp drought swings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Even moisture throughout flowering and fruit set, avoid sharp drought swings
Fertilizing
FertilizingTomato or pepper feed every one to two weeks fruiting season
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate in containers in a cold frame in spring; propagate by division in spring
Growing
GrowingGrow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillar damage
Explore the plant health library →
