Thunbergia alata - Black-eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata is a herbaceous perennial climbing flowers plant Its leaves are tooth-edged, triangular to arrow-shaped, up to 8cm (3 inch) long and wide, borne on slender stalks along the twining stems. Flowers are about 5cm (2 inch) wide and are produced on short stalks from the leaf axils, consist of a 2cm (0.8 inch) long tube flaring out into five petal-like lobes.

Petal-lobe colour varies, but in all forms there is a central deep chocolate ‘eye’ – the centry point to the tube for insects; the tube itself is sark purple and each flower is backed with a pair of 1-2cm (0.4-0.8 inch) long, pale green bracts. The most common lobes colours are orange-yellow, bright yellow or white. The flowering period normally last from late spring to late autumn.

Scientific name: Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims
Common names: Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Clock Vine
Synonyms: Endomelas alata,Thunbergia alata var. fryeri,Thunbergia alata var. albiflora,Thunbergia alata var. aurantiaca,Thunbergia alata var. bakeri,Thunbergia alata var. vixalata,Thunbergia alata var. lutea,Thunbergia alata var. reticulata,Thunbergia alata subvar. doddsii,Thunbergia alata var. sulphurea...
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Thunbergia
Species: T. alata

Origin: Thunbergia alata Native to Africa, Madagascar, Southern Asia.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10-11.

Temperature in active growth period – min 10°C max 24°C (50-75°F)

source pic: pinterest.com

How to Grow and Care

Black Eyed Susan Vines are very easy to grow. Grow the plants in full sun to light shade. In hotter regions, plant where they will receive afternoon shade. Grow Thunbergia in rich soils to help fuel growth. Prior to planting, mix in ample amounts of compost. Add a general purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Thunbergia plants do not tolerate droughts very well. Keep soil well watered, especially when young, and during hot and dry weather. If grown in containers, be vigilant that they do not dry out. Keep young plants well weeded, until they get established and begin to climb.

Thunbergia plants can be trimmed, as needed. Plants need support of a fence, trellis or post. Train young plants to reach the support.

Light: You will get the most flowers and the healthiest plants if you plant your black-eyed Susan vines in full sun. The exception is in hot, dry climates, where growing the plants in partial afternoon shade is recommended.

Soil: Black-eyed Susan vine likes a fairly neutral soil pH of around 6.5 and a soil rich in organic matter. When setting out plants, work several inches of compost into the soil, if it is not sufficiently rich to start with.

Water: Although the vines don't like sitting in wet soil, they also don't like being hot and dry. Aim to keep them moderately moist. Mulching around the base of the plants will keep the roots cool and moist, without fear of rotting...

- Learn more at HOW TO GROW AND CARE Black-eyed Susan Vine