Thunbergia alata - Black-eyed Susan Vine Salmon Shades

The black-eyed Susan vine Salmon Shades or Thunbergia alata is a climber that blooms abundantly from June to October. It spontaneously wraps itself around any type of frame: whether artificial (barrier, tepee, trellis, fence) or natural (corn, tall grass). This mix features a palette of particularly soft, tender colours. The flowers are sometimes cream, apricot, salmon, orange and all have a black eye, that looks like a pupil in the centre of an iris. This is also what has earned it its nickname.

In many parts of the world, this perennial is considered invasive because of its rapid growth. In our climates, it is considered an annual that thrives in sunny positions, although it tolerates partial shade. You can also find a place for it in the conservatory where it will be able to grow in the warmer conditions, as it appreciates temperatures above 8 °C. This way you will enjoy its flowers from late spring to early autumn (even more so if the weather stays mild). Its stems are long and twining, so make sure you provide it with a frame that they will happily envelop. They are generously covered with dark green, rather large (6 cm), elongated, heart-shaped leaves. They can form a dense carpet strewn with an abundance of flowers, made up of tubular corolla which are divided into five lobes. Their delicious colours and their black centre gives them an original look.

This black-eyed susan vine is a real ally for masking unsightly backdrops or for covering walls thoroughly, as long as it finds a solid stem or wire to climb up on. Otherwise, it will spread out and behave as a ground cover. It prefers moist, but well-drained soils and needs watering in extremely hot weather. Fertilizer will enhance its exuberance. It will bring a lively touch in pots or at the back of beds, thanks to the warm colours of its flowers, its intrepid stems and the many insects it will attract.