10 Seeds Physalis alkekengi Chinese Lantern Hardy Perennial Ornamental Garden

Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as Chinese Lantern, is a hardy perennial grown for its striking papery orange-red lantern-shaped husks that develop in late summer and persist into autumn. These lanterns add long-lasting color and texture to borders, cutting gardens, and dried arrangements, and the plant is easy to grow once established in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Well suited to temperate gardens, it returns each year from its spreading root system and offers reliable seasonal interest with minimal care.

The lanterns are primarily ornamental and are often used fresh or dried in floral displays, where their vivid color holds well. Plants grow as bushy clumps with green foliage and small bell-shaped flowers in summer, followed by the colorful husks. They can spread via underground rhizomes, so give them room or plant in a contained area. This listing is for seeds intended for garden planting and ornamental use.
Species: Physalis alkekengi
Variety: Chinese Lantern
Type: Hardy perennial
Plant_Habit: Upright spreading clumps
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, average fertility
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 3 to 9
Germination: 14 to 30 days at 65 to 75F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly press into soil, keep moist
Spacing: 18 to 24 inches
Notes: Allow husks to color fully before cutting for arrangements