Thunbergia (Black-eyed Susan vine)
This Genis of 90 to 100 species of mainly twining climbers and evergreen, clump-forming shrubs, was named after the eighteenth-centuty Swedish botanist Dr. Carl Peter Thunberg, who collected in Africa and Japan. Native to Africa, Asia and Madagascar, their leaves are entire or lobed, and the mostly trumpet-shaped blooms are borne individually from the leaf axils or in trusses. These tender perennial which are grown as an annuals in cool climates. The dark green, heart-shaped leaves accent the bell-shaped, tubular yellow-orange flowers. The blooms have very dark brown centers and bloom in summer and persist until the first frost. Needs support or can be grown in a hanging container. Needs moist, well-drained soil, full sun and plenty of water during growing period. Grows best in rich soil, but will do okay under average conditions. In the dormant period less water is recommended. Cut back stems in early spring if they become crowded.
Insider's secret
Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost is due. Seeds take two to three weeks to sprout and grow very slowly as young seedlings. Set seedlings outdoors when you can be sure night temperatures will not drop below 50°; a slight frost will kill even mature plants. Place seedlings about 3 inches away from the supports they will be climbing. Since Thunbergia vines climb by twining, strings or netting make suitable trellises.
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Thunbergia Alata  |
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