Physalis alkekengi
(Chinese Lantern, Love in a Cage, Strawberry Gourd Cherry)
Synonyms: Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii, Physalis franchetii
Origin: Native to countries from western Asia to Japan
Family: Solanaceae
Light: Sun-part shade
Height: 1-2'
Spacing: 2-3'
Blooms: Small white flowers in mid-Summer matures to showy papery orange lanterns in late Summer
Foliage: Medium green, alternate
Soil: Well-drained, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline
Water: Regular
Fruit: Red berry, sour, rich in Vitamin C
Uses: Foliage, mass, fresh cut/dried floral arrangements, containers
Propagation: Seeds, rootball divisions,
Caution: Plant can be invasive
Comments: Physalis alkekengi or Chinese Lantern or Love in a Cage or Strawberry Gourd Cherry or Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii or Physalis franchetii is an ornamental perennial with an upright, shrubby growth habit. It is a native from western Asia to Japan. In mid-Summer, Physalis alkakengi produces small white blossoms, attracting many bees which help pollinate the plant. In late Summer, the flowers turn to exotic looking orange, papery lanterns. The dried and fresh flowers make great floral arrangements. When the leaves die, the red berry inside the lantern can be harvested when fully ripe. It taste sour but is loaded with vitamin C. Chinese Lantern is easily propagated from seeds. It thrives well in most any soil, acidic or alkaline, in a sunny to part shade environment. Love in a Cage self sows readily and has running roots which help it to spread. Grow in a container to helps control its spread. Chinese use the calyx and fruits in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment various ailments including coughs and bladder problems. Mass plant for a dazzling glowy display in the Summer landscape and provide lots of space of it to spread.
USDA Zones: 2-10
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern, Love in a Cage, Strawberry Gourd Cherry, Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii or Physalis franchetii growing in Jenny's Garden
