Chinese Lanterns

Botanical Name: Physalis Alkekengi
Common Names: Ground Cherry, Winter Cherry
Cultivation: Moderate sunlight with moderate soil
Colors: White
Bloom Time: Mid Summer
Uses: Attractive in vases for dried arrangements
Regions: Southeastern India, China, Europe, North America

Drying Chinese Lanterns
Place the stems on a horizontal position, allowing the lanterns to droop sideways. Stems should be cut when the pods become orange in late summer. Collect the stems and then remove leaves to dry them. After removing the leaves, hang them upside down in a shady place. They can also be dried by microwave drying.