UK hardiness
Is 'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry hardy in the UK?
Physalis pruinosa 'Cossack Pineapple'
More about 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry in the UK
'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry and the RHS hardiness rating
'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry is rated RHS H2 (tender; cut down by frost) — tender, meaning it withstands winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. In practice that means it needs a frost-free greenhouse or indoors over winter — a UK frost will kill it. The RHS rating describes an absolute minimum temperature, not an average: a single hard frost below its band is what does the damage, so the question is always "what is the coldest night my garden gets?", not "what is a typical winter here?".
This follows the RHS plant hardiness rating system (H1a–H7), the UK standard. For the US growing-zone view, see the 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry USDA hardiness guide.
Does UK region change it?
Because 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
Overwintering 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry in the UK
Overwintering 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry UK hardiness — frequently asked questions
Is 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry hardy in the UK?
'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry is rated RHS H2 (tender; cut down by frost) (tender, hardy to about 1 to 5°C). It is not winter-hardy anywhere in the UK and must be overwintered under cover.
Can 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry stay outside over winter in the UK?
No. 'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry is frost-tender — a UK frost will kill it. Bring it indoors or into a frost-free greenhouse before the first autumn frost and return it outside only after the last spring frost.
What does RHS H2 (tender; cut down by frost) mean?
RHS hardiness ratings run H1a (needs a heated glasshouse) to H7 (survives below -20°C). 'Cossack Pineapple' Ground Cherry's rating, H2 (tender; cut down by frost), means tender — it tolerates winter minimums of about 1 to 5°C. The rating is an absolute minimum, not an average.
How do I overwinter 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry in the UK?
Overwintering 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry in the UK means bringing it in: a bright, frost-free room or a heated glasshouse, watered sparingly while growth slows. Do not leave it against cold glass or near an unheated porch. Move it back out only after the last spring frost has passed for your area.
Does UK region change whether 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry survives?
Because 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry is frost-tender, UK region matters less than the simple rule: it does not stay outdoors over winter anywhere in the UK. Treat any time outside as a summer holiday — bring it back indoors once nights drop toward 10°C, well before the first frost, and acclimatise it over a week each way so the leaves do not shock.
More 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry care
See the full 'cossack pineapple' ground cherry care guide, its temperature & humidity needs, and the US (USDA) hardiness version of this page.