Description
Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii) Chinese lantern, grows to two feet tall and bears small, white flowers followed by large, balloon-like husks. Inside each 2-inch long husk is a small edible scarlet fruit. The Chinese lantern plant is valued for its inflated orange-red seed coverings which resemble miniature Chinese lanterns. For winter bouquets, cut the stems in fall just as the lanterns turn color, remove the leaves and hang them, right side up, to dry in a shady, airy place. Plants often self-sow in the garden. Set Chinese lantern plants from 2 to 3 feet apart as they tend to spread rapidly. They are a very strong perennial, hardy from zone 3-9. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. Immediate shipping in 4″ pot. Dormant shipping in winter.
Kathleen –
This will be my first attempt in trying to grow Chinese Lanterns. The plants I received were good sized, healthy appearing and packaged securely. I have them in my windowsill for now and will later place in an outdoor planter when our weather warms up. Received promptly. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Stacey –
My plant arrived in a box very well packaged but it was packaged to well. The vegetation of the plant was smushed between the bubble wrap and killed all the green growth. The stems are okay, but I got no leaves. I was very disappointed after opening my box and finding it in that bad condition.
Charlene Corley –
I hope these plants do well in my house until I can plant them at the end of May. I live in Northern Minnesota.
Monica Bundrant –
It came in with a few yellow leaves and looked really unhappy. I’m cautiously optimistic that it will spring back. Also the way it was packaged did not protect the plant as well as other plants I have ordered which would be a concern for future purchases. Still, the plant is alive and made it. Shipping was faster then expected.
Edit. After a few days it perked up and is doing great!