Thunbergia Tangerine Slice - Black-Eyed-Susan

The Thunbergia alata Tangerine Slice is a new variety of Winged Thunbergia that stands out for its two-tone shade and unusual flower pattern. Around a small centre, of an almost black violet which earned it the cute nickname Black-eyed Susan, each petal bursts into red-orange striped with ochre yellow, giving the corolla the appearance of a small star. Invasive perennial in its country of origin, it is an adorable annual climbing plant in our climates, appreciated for its original flowering that only ends with the first frost. Its stems covered with lush foliage cling alone to trellises, and allow for the quick creation of large, highly decorative pots or astonishing hanging baskets that can be kept in the veranda. It appreciates heat and sun, fertile, fresh, and well-drained soils.

Thunbergia alata is a perennial, fast-growing, and voluble climbing plant native to tropical regions of East Africa, which only tolerates very light frosts. For these reasons, it is grown as an annual in our climates. The cultivar 'Tangerine Slice' was recently obtained in the United States (Indiana). The plant reaches an average height of 2 metres in a few months. Its stems wrap around their support. They are covered with lush, dark green foliage, composed of evergreen (frost-free) villous leaves with dentate margins, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped. The leaves of this variety are slightly smaller than those of the usual varieties and slightly darker green. Flowering occurs from June to October. The flowers, measuring 3-4 cm (1.2 - 1.6 in), enclosed in a villous calyx, are borne on a peduncle in the axil of the leaves. The corolla is tubular at the base and extends into five flared lobes, laterally bordered by 2 yellow margins on a red-orange background. The colour of the flowers changes throughout the day, turning into a reddish-brown bordered by mustard yellow. In the centre of this flower shines a very beautiful eye, with a characteristic violet-black colour, whose role is to attract pollinating insects.

The Black-eyed Susan is suitable for container gardening as well as in open ground, in sunny locations. Voluble but lightweight climber, it pairs well with a perennial climbing plant like a herbaceous clematis and can also be used as ground cover. You can associate it with summer-flowering bulbs, such as gladioli: it will twist around the leaves and bloom in the most unlikely places, adding whimsy to rigid flower beds. It will also make a big impact in a large hanging basket.

Note: Please be aware that our young plants in mini-pots are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14C° for a few weeks before being installed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.