Winter Cherry
Physalis alkekengi franchetii
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Pl. 3717 — Physalis alkekengi franchetii
Physalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetiiPhysalis alkekengi franchetii
IOverview
Overview
Winter Cherry, scientifically known as Physalis alkekengi franchetii, is a perennial plant native to regions including China, Korea, and parts of Central Asia. It thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil, making it adaptable to various conditions such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy clay soils. Hardy from zones 5-9, this plant can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, Winter Cherry is both ornamental and useful in the garden. One distinctive feature of this plant is its bright orange or red calyces that encase the small yellow fruits, adding a pop of color to any landscape.
Quick answers
What is Winter Cherry?
Winter Cherry, scientifically known as Physalis alkekengi franchetii, is a perennial plant native to regions including China, Korea, and parts of Central Asia. It thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil, making it adaptable to various conditions such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Winter Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts include the fruit and leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Winter Cherry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden tools like a trowel, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for cooler climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to medium soil that drains well. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or plant young seedlings at 30-45 cm apart in the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially when fruit is forming. Prune back dead or damaged stems as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a bushier plant and better fruit production.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Winter Cherry's fruit and leaves are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. Leaves are often used fresh or dried for flavoring. Both parts add a mild sweet taste to culinary creations.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native· 2 introduced
Asia5 regions
native (4)ChinaKazakhstanSouth KoreaUzbekistan
introduced (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Hainan, Kirgizstan, Primorye, Tadzhikistan
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 37175749-8e73-41cf-be71-5db607db8c61
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