Black-eyed Susan

Thunbergia is a genus of flowering plants in the Family Acanthaceae, native to tropical regions of Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia. Its members are known by various names, including thunbergias; clockvine on its own usually refers to Thunbergia grandiflora, while Thunbergia alata is often known as Black-eyed Susan vine or just Black-eyed Susan (not to be confused with other flowers called Black-eyed Susan). Orange clock vine is the name of Thunbergia gregorii.

Thunbergia was named for Carl Peter Thunberg.

Thunbergias are vigorous annual or perennial vines and shrubs growing to 2-8 m tall.

I want to give black-eyed Susan vine a try. It proms to grow quickly and easily in full sun,
and full sun we have plenty here in Italy.... all summer long. Reaching 10 to 12 feet will help to cover some walls with it petite but colourful flowers with dark brown 'eyes' .

I was so enthusiast that I bought some seeds on- line from the species " Thunbergia alata Blushing Susie ".

Another beautiful species is called:

• Thunbergia fragans
  

Anyway this annual is available in whites, creams, yellows and gold, and is usually started from seed.

If you are also interested follow the steps bellow.

Step 1:
Look for black-eyed Susan vine seeds on-line. It's an increasingly popular plant. Black-eyed Susan is very easy to start from seed.

Step 2:
Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your region’s last frost date. In mild-winter areas, plant seeds directly in the garden in early spring.

Step 3:
Plant established seedlings directly in soil after your region's last frost date.

Step 4:
Provide support for your vine unless you want it to sprawl over a pot or along the ground as a groundcover. Black-eyed Susan vine climbs by twining, so any trellis or arbour will help it clamber skyward.

Step 5:
Keep well watered.

Step 6:
Fertilize every four to six weeks after planting, if desired, to assure a more vigorous vine and more flowers.

Step 7:
Pull plant out after the first frost.

Suzanne

Sowing:


* Lupinus Nanus
* Chaenorium organifolium
* Thunbergia alata
* Gilia capitata
* Nepetax faassenii " Alba "
* Codonopsis clematidea
* Anemone virginiana

Photo: Gerd Hintermaier- Erhard