The Black-Eyed Susan Vine and Its Cultivars

The black-eyed Susan vine, Thunbergia alata, is a perennial climbing plant native to Eastern Africa that has become a naturalized plant throughout the world. This article will cover the differences between Thunbergia alata and its various cultivars. To make your selection easier, we have listed the characteristics of these two species. Here's what they have in common. Listed below is a short description of each.

Thunbergia alata

The black-eyed Susan vine, or Thunbergia alata, is a perennial climbing plant in the family Acanthaceae. Native to Eastern Africa, this vine has become naturalized in many areas of the world. Its leaves and flowers are emerald green with small yellow spots. The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and can be used as a groundcover.

The black-eyed Susan vine grows to be 3 to 8 feet tall, three to six feet wide, and can reach 20 feet in certain regions. It requires moderate moisture and prefers organically rich soil. It prefers afternoon shade in hot climates. It also needs support to grow at its full height. Black-eyed Susan vines are the perfect choice for Mediterranean and cottage gardens. There are no serious disease or pest issues with this plant, but it can be susceptible to whiteflies if grown indoors.

Once established, the black eyed suet vine grows slowly in a sheltered spot. It produces flower clusters in midsummer, twining itself along the ground and forming a pyramid-shaped bloom. Its beautiful blooms can be enjoyed throughout the Summer. A variety of colors are available for planting and caring for it. The plant can be purchased from seed, cutting, or transplanted.

You can grow a black eyed sueti plant indoors after the danger of frost has passed. If you live in a warm area, start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Soil must be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure germination. Soak the seeds in warm water for a day or two to increase their chances of germination. After soaking, place the seeds 1/4 inch deep in soil and keep them evenly moist. They may take 21 days or more to sprout if the soil is not warm enough.

Thunbergia gregorii

As a plant that grows to a height of five feet, Thunbergia gregorii makes an attractive addition to your landscape or hanging baskets. This fast-growing vine twines and grows to cover a small structure in just one growing season. To plant your thunbergia, spread the seeds over two inches of compost and place near a 5 to eight-foot-tall support. Water them regularly during the growing season.

The black-eyed susan is native to tropical Africa and Asia, but has been widely cultivated throughout the world, becoming a pest in Australia and Hawaii. It prefers moist, organic soil and is quite drought-tolerant. If you want to attract bees and butterflies, plant it near a porch or patio. This flowering vine grows to an impressive eight feet and features a chocolate-purple center. The black-eyed susan also makes a good choice for a Mediterranean-style garden. While there are no serious pest or disease issues, young plants can survive some frost if protected from direct sunlight or wind. If you are growing this plant indoors, treat it as an annual.

A tropical perennial, Thunbergia gregorii grows to an average of eight to ten feet tall. It is easy to grow, and its attractive, orange-red flowers are a delight for bees. It is a good choice for patios and gardens. The plant can be grown as a ground cover because of its vigorous growth, but it will need plenty of space to spread. Leaves are triangular to shield-shaped and slightly hairy, and the flowers are about an inch and a half across. The black-eyed susan vine flowers will fade in early winter, but they will return when temperatures warm up.

The genus is named after Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg, who studied under the famed Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, widely considered the father of taxonomy. Thunbergia gregorii - Black eyed susan vine

Thunbergia alata 'Indian Summer'

A native of tropical and subtropical Africa, Thunbergia alata grew in a variety of climates around the world. Native to East Africa, it is widely grown for its attractive blue blooms. In addition to its use as a tropical ornamental plant, it is also good as a screen or ground cover. If you want to make it a permanent part of your garden, you can plant it in a hanging basket or plant it on a terrace.

A perennial Thunbergia, 'Indian Summer' has a unique black eye in the center of its flower. The foliage is glossy and dark green. It is a fast-growing plant that needs support to grow. It also eats up the nutrients from the soil quickly. Like most Thunbergia species, there are several varieties, each with its own characteristics and benefits.

This black-eyed Susan is an easy-to-grow tropical vine native to Southern Africa. It blooms from late summer into early autumn and is easy to care for. The flowerheads are trumpet-shaped with five solid-colored petals and a brownish-purple center tube. The foliage is rough, heart-shaped, and arrowhead-shaped. This plant is a beautiful choice for any sunny or shady area in your garden.

If you want to grow a Thunbergia in your garden, you can plant it from seeds. Plant the seeds indoors until there is no threat of frost, or direct-seed it in an open area. Keep the soil moist. Keep the plants watered. They don't like dry soil. If you're growing Thunbergia from seed, make sure to soak the seeds in water for a day before planting.

Thunbergia alata 'Summer Dream'

'Summer Dream' is the name of a new cultivar of Thunbergia alata, an attractive vine native to East Africa. This plant has flowers that are large, orange with black centers. This plant is easy to grow, and you can use it in containers, hanging baskets, or the ground in your garden. Its flowers are fragrant and appear in clusters and cascades, so it's often recommended for hanging baskets.

The Thunbergia alata genus is known for its climbers, but it also has shrubs with lax growth habits. One of the most popular varieties is the lilac-blue T. grandiflora, which has flowers hanging below the foliage. T. alata is an attractive, tender perennial, but is also available as an annual. The plant originated in Eastern Africa and is named for the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg.

This low maintenance plant grows to a height of 12 to 20 inches, making it perfect for border plantings and beds. A climbing version will spread over fences, banks, and tree stumps. Thunbergia alata 'Summer Dream' deserves a sunny spot in your garden. Its small size makes it the perfect annual plant for containers. In addition to its fragrant flowers, it also features reddish trunks that make it an attractive ornamental plant.

Thunbergia alata 'Purple Rain'

A beautiful and hardy annual, Thunbergia alata carries its name because of its purple flowers. This plant's leaves and stems are similar to those of its cousin, Thunbergia battiscombei. If you're looking for a plant to add color to a landscape, this is a great option. It is also fast-growing, making it a good choice for planting in a container or on a terrace.

A perennial climber, Thunbergia has heart-shaped leaves that are softly hairy. The foliage is rounded and toothed. Flowers appear in the middle of the plant and are obliquely trumpet-shaped. The flowers are orange, yellow, or white, depending on the variety. These plants thrive in partial shade, which makes them an excellent choice for a sun-filled balcony or a sunny spot.

This plant has several alternative names, but the name 'Purple Rain' has been around for a couple of decades. It's the name of a plant derived from a Swedish botanist named Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), who spent three years collecting at the Cape of Good Hope and collected over 300 new plant species. He also traveled to Japan to collect plants for the East India Company. Bojer and Sims discovered the species in Mauritius and named it after Thunbergia alata.

This plant is native to East Africa and is a vigorous climber. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers are orange or yellow with a black throat. The blooms are available from June to the first frost. The plant is widely available in orange, salmon, or white seed. You can purchase this plant at your local garden center. If you don't have a garden, don't fret. The black-eyed Susan is a great choice for containers.