Chinese lantern plants, also known as Physalis alkekengi, are versatile and adaptable plants that can thrive in a variety of light conditions. While they prefer full sun, they can also tolerate part sun conditions. In warm climates, however, they are best grown in part shade to protect them from intense heat.
When it comes to sunlight, Chinese lantern plants love basking in the warmth and brightness of full sun. This means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to truly flourish. If you have a sunny spot in your garden or yard, these plants will be more than happy to soak up the sun’s rays and reward you with healthy growth and vibrant lantern-like fruits.
However, Chinese lantern plants are not limited to only full sun. They are also capable of thriving in part sun conditions, which means they can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight combined with some shade throughout the day. This makes them a great choice for areas that receive a moderate amount of sunlight or have dappled shade from nearby trees or structures.
In warm climates, such as those found in certain regions of the southern United States or Mediterranean countries, it is advisable to provide Chinese lantern plants with some shade. The intense heat and prolonged exposure to full sun can sometimes be too harsh for these plants, causing their leaves to wilt or burn. By placing them in a part shade location, you can help protect them from excessive heat and ensure they thrive in your garden.
Personal Experience: In my own garden, I have found that Chinese lantern plants do best when they receive full sun for most of the day. I have a sunny spot near a south-facing wall where I planted a few Chinese lantern plants, and they have thrived beautifully. The plants have grown tall and sturdy, producing an abundance of lantern-like fruits that add a unique touch to my garden. However, I have also experimented with growing Chinese lantern plants in a partially shaded area under a large tree, and while they didn’t grow as vigorously, they still produced fruits and added a charming element to the shaded corner of my garden.
Chinese lantern plants prefer full sun but can tolerate part sun conditions. In warm climates, it is advisable to provide them with some shade to protect them from intense heat. Whether you have a sunny or partially shaded area in your garden, these versatile plants will adapt and bring a touch of beauty with their lantern-like fruits.
