• root rhizomes invasive
• very hardy perennial
• very fun
• great for colourful fall flower arrangements and decorating
• needs containment in small space or allowed to go wild in a large space
• red cherry like fruit inside not edible
• for best bloom(small non-descript white flowers) and fruit, plant in a sunny spot
• will grow in adverse dry conditions in shade but not flower as well
• deer have never touched mine

These lantern like fruits carry much symbolism in both China and Japan. The small cherry like fruit inside the orange paper-like covering is not edible unlike the similar Cape Gooseberries. This plant belongs to the Solanaceae Nightshade Family. If ingested in large quantities they are toxic which is probably why the deer have never touched them.

The rhizomes are invasive and so if this plant is introduced to the garden it is best to contain in some way. Mine are in an area in which nothing else would grow well, beside a chimney. The roots are easy to dig and pull up but if left too long a small patch will become large. I would not plant with anything else as the roots will become entangled in other plants and then it is very difficult to remove. Around a tree base where emerging shoots can be mown or in a corner beside compost, an ugly area where nothing else will grow, in a half barrel are all perfect places for this easy perennial.

The small white flowers in spring are inconspicuous but become the lovely orange lanterns in September and October. I wait until the lanterns have turned from green to orange, then cut the stems and trim all leaves away. They can then be used dry.

This perennial is not for everyone but it is such a fun plant in the fall when everything else is finishing. A bunch of the lanterns will last through Hallowe’en ’til beyond Christmas and can be repurposed in Christmas arrangements.