Physalis alkekengi

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese lantern

Other common names

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

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A vigorous herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, with ovate leaves. Nodding, creamy-yellow bell-shaped flowers 2cm wide appear in summer, followed by inflated, lantern-like deep orange calyces 5cm long, enclosing red berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenexcept ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Harmful if eatenexcept ripe fruit - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate in containers in a cold frame in spring; propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillar damage

Diseases

Generally disease-free