Clam cherry Plant Care

Clam cherry (Physalis heterophylla) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Physalis genus. Clam cherry is native to North America, occurring primarily in the eastern United States and Canada. Clam cherry is also known as Large-leaf ground cherry, Illinois ground cherry, Wild cape gooseberry.

Clam cherry displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Clam cherry produces small, lantern-like orange or yellow blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Clam cherry every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Clam cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Physalis heterophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Clam cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. Good drainage is essential for Clam cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Clam cherry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Clam cherry is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Clam cherry can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Clam cherry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Clam cherry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Clam cherry can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ground cherry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Clam cherry is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Clam cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Clam cherry is native to North America, occurring primarily in the eastern United States and Canada. In cooler regions, grow Clam cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.