{"product_id":"chinese-lantern-live-plant-3-5-inch-pot","title":"Chinese Lantern Live Plant, 2.5 Inch Pot","description":"\u003cp\u003eChinese Lantern (\u003cem\u003ePhysalis alkekengi\u003c\/em\u003e) earns its name in the most literal way possible - as summer fades, the plant's inconspicuous white flowers give way to inflated, papery orange-red husks that enclose a small red berry, creating dozens of glowing \"lanterns\" along the branching stems. In autumn light they are extraordinary, and dried stems with their intact lanterns are among the most decorative natural materials available for wreaths and arrangements. The berries inside are edible when fully ripe, with a tart, slightly sweet flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChinese Lantern thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. It spreads aggressively by underground runners and can become invasive in favorable conditions - contain it in a pot or garden bed with barriers. Plants reach 18-24 inches tall. The decorative husks develop in late summer and are best harvested for drying just as they begin to color. Hardy throughout most of North America; a vigorous, long-lived perennial once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPhysalis alkekengi has been used in traditional medicine in Europe and Asia for centuries. The berries and husks appear in Chinese traditional medicine, and the plant was known to ancient Greek and Arab physicians. The ripe berries have been used as food and medicine across cultures within its range. Herbalists have traditionally noted the plant's distinctive bitter character and have used it in folk preparations. The berries must be fully ripe - unripe berries and the plant's other parts should not be consumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare on Arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWater upon arrival and settle in a bright location before transplanting. Chinese Lantern is adaptable and establishes readily. Transplant after your last frost date into any reasonably well-drained soil. Water during establishment, then reduce frequency - established plants are fairly drought-tolerant. Plan for spreading and site accordingly. Harvest decorative stems in fall when the husks begin to color, cutting entire stems and hanging upside down to dry in a well-ventilated space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou Might Also Like\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChinese Lantern adds unusual ornamental interest to the medicinal garden. Pair with \u003cstrong\u003eMugwort\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eSweet Annie\u003c\/strong\u003e for other plants that are as beautiful dried as fresh. \u003cstrong\u003eElderberry\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eWild Bergamot\u003c\/strong\u003e complement it in an ornamental-medicinal planting. For other plants with traditional Chinese herbal heritage, explore \u003cstrong\u003eAstragalus\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eBaical Skullcap\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt Zenobia's Garden, every plant is grown on our 8-acre farm in Perry County, Missouri - tended by hand with attention to soil health, plant vitality, and botanical integrity. We grow medicinal herbs because we believe in them, and we want the plants that leave our farm to thrive in yours. Questions about your order or your plants? Reach us at susan@zenobiasgarden.com - we're growers first, and we're happy to help.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Zenobia's Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53025284784493,"sku":"chinesel","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0941\/1919\/9085\/files\/ChineseLantern.jpg?v=1773860289","url":"https:\/\/zenobiasgarden.com\/products\/chinese-lantern-live-plant-3-5-inch-pot","provider":"Zenobia's Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}