Chinese Lantern Plants

How to Control Invasive Chinese Lantern Plants

A close up horizontal image of a Chinese lantern plant with an abundance of orange pods, growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

Chinese lantern plants are whimsical additions to summer-to-fall gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. However, while their papery orange lantern-like pods are a delight, the plants spread aggressively via roots and self-sowing. Read on and learn how to enjoy Chinese lanterns without letting them take over the yard.

How to Grow and Care for Chinese Lantern

A close up horizontal image of Chinese lantern (Alkekengi officinarum) growing in the garden in light evening sunshine.

Chinese lantern is a charming ornamental that will bring a touch of whimsy to your garden. The papery, red-orange husks of this perennial come into their full splendor in autumn, providing bright fall color, and can be used in bouquets or dried arrangements. Keep reading to learn more about growing Chinese lantern.