LifestyleTransform your garden with the vibrant winged thunbergia

Transform your garden with the vibrant winged thunbergia

"Black-eyed Susan," or winged thunbergia, is an impressive vine that can add colour and a decorative look to a garden. It grows quickly and blooms beautifully, which is why it is increasingly used as a plant for hedges.

Winged thunbergia will protect from the neighbors' gazes.
Winged thunbergia will protect from the neighbors' gazes.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

Winged thunbergia, commonly known as "Black-eyed Susan," originates from the warm regions of East Africa. Its characteristic feature is its orange or yellow flowers with a dark centre that resembles a black eye. This is how the plant got its memorable name.

The plant has thin and flexible stems that climb quickly up supports. It creates a light, airy screen, giving the garden an elegant character. It is not a typical shrub that forms a dense and compact barrier but works perfectly where aesthetics and decorative effect matter.

In what conditions does it grow best?

"Black-eyed Susan" thrives in warm, sunny places but also grows well in light partial shade. It requires fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture, rich in nutrients.

In Canadian conditions, winged thunbergia is most often grown as an annual plant, making it ideal for gardens of those who appreciate seasonal changes and a variety of compositions.

Winged thunbergia
Winged thunbergia© pixels.com

Why is it suitable for a colourful hedge?

Winged thunbergia is a vine that can quickly create a green wall full of colourful flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it can serve as a seasonal hedge, shielding a terrace, balcony, or chosen part of a garden within a few weeks. In favourable conditions, it grows up to 2-3 metres high.

Decorative flowers in shades of yellow and orange with a distinctive dark centre give it a unique, expressive appearance. This way, thunbergia not only serves as a cover but also becomes a strong colour accent in the space.

Pruning the plant is not necessary, but it is advisable to keep an aesthetic shape and encourage the plant to bloom more abundantly. Regular removal of withered leaves and damaged stems makes thunbergia look healthy and attractive. It is also recommended to fertilize the plant with a diluted multi-component fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, which supports its growth and flowering.

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