Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Thunbergia alata or Black-eyed Susan vine

The genus Thunbergia, family Acanthaceae, comprises 150 species of flowering plants native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Madagascar. Some species are: Thunbergia alata, Thunbergia grandiflora, Thunbergia fragrans, Thunbergia erecta, Thunbergia mysorensis.

Common name: Black-eyed Susan vine. This species is native to Eastern Africa.

They are herbaceous climbing plants with hairy stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height; they are perennial if the climate is mild and annual if the climate is colder. The leaves are heart-shaped, opposite arrangement and slightly serrated edge. The flowers are usually orange (sometimes yellow or white), are shaped like a curved tube and have 5 large petals and a dark center. They bloom from mid-spring to fall.

They are used to cover lattices, walls and pergolas and in pots for terraces and balconies. They need supports to climb.

Thunbergia alata needs exposure to full sun or light shade. They resist heat above 30 ºC (86 ºF) but not cold below 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil must be very well drained with coarse sand and contain abundant organic matter.

Water moderately all year long waiting for the soil to dry out; slightly increase watering during the flowering period.

They do not need pruning.

Fertilize every 15 days while the flowering lasts with mineral fertilizer.

They are propagated from seeds sown in a protected nursery in mid-winter; transplant the seedlings in early spring. Cuttings can also be made in the fall.

Images of the climbing plant Thunbergia alata or Black-eyed Susan vine