Thunbergia alata, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan vine, thrives in rich, moist soil and prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, it is important to note that the amount of flowering may be reduced in such conditions.
In my personal experience as a gardening and landscaping enthusiast, I have found that providing Black-Eyed Susan vine with full sun exposure yields the best results. When planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, the plant tends to grow vigorously and produce an abundance of vibrant flowers.
However, if you have limited options for planting locations and shade is unavoidable, you can still cultivate Black-Eyed Susan vine. It will tolerate partial shade, but it is essential to ensure that it still receives some direct sunlight during the day. This can be achieved by selecting a spot that offers a few hours of sunlight or by placing the plant in a location where it receives filtered sunlight through the canopy of trees or other structures.
It is worth mentioning that even in partial shade, the flowering of Black-Eyed Susan vine may be reduced compared to plants grown in full sun. Therefore, if your primary goal is to enjoy abundant blooms, providing as much sunlight as possible is advisable.
If you live in a region with a shorter growing season, such as the upper Midwest, starting Black-Eyed Susan vine from transplants rather than direct seed sowing can offer better results. Transplants provide a head start in the growing process, allowing the plant to establish itself and potentially produce more flowers within the limited growing season.
To summarize, while Thunbergia alata, or Black-Eyed Susan vine, can tolerate partial shade, it thrives in full sun. Providing the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day will result in vigorous growth and abundant flowering. However, if shade is unavoidable, ensure that the plant still receives some direct or filtered sunlight to support its overall health and blooming potential.
