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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names Chinese lantern 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
Synonyms Alkekengi officinarum
Family Solanaceae
Genus Physalis can be annuals or rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in the leaf axils, followed by fleshy, sometimes edible, yellow, red or purple berries, enclosed in enlarged, often colourful, calyces
Details 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
Plant range Europe Asia
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Toxicity May cause digestive upset if ingested
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Loam
Sand
MoistureWell-drained
SoilChalk, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.5-1 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Best grown in containers as although suitable for the border it may become invasive
Propagation Propagate in containers in a cold frame in spring; propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden City & Courtyard Gardens Coastal
Pruning Ideal for flower arranging; cut stems for drying as the calyces begin to colour
Pests Caterpillars may be a problem
Diseases Generally disease free
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