Plant Database

Other Names:  Winter Cherry, Japanese Lantern, Ground Cherry

Description:

Chinese or Japanese lanterns are grown primarily for their unique orange-red calyx that resemble illuminated lanterns; great for fall floral arrangements when cut and dried; be careful, because this plant gets around

Ornamental Features

Chinese Lantern features unusual nodding orange flowers with white eyes dangling from the stems from late summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It features abundant showy khaki (brownish-green) capsules from early fall to late winter. Its oval leaves are green in colour. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Chinese Lantern is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Chinese Lantern is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Chinese Lantern will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.